BREAKING: The Colorado Rockies have just announced a one-year, $8 million contract with right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen, marking a significant move under new president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta. This signing is pivotal for a Rockies team in a deep rebuild phase after a dismal 43-119 season.
Lorenzen, aged 34, brings versatility to the roster, capable of excelling both as a starter and in relief. His experience spans 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, making him a valuable asset as the Rockies aim to improve their pitching staff, which recorded a staggering 5.99 ERA in 2025, one of the worst in baseball history.
This contract, pending Lorenzen’s physical, also includes a club option for 2027 at $9 million with a $250,000 buyout, providing the Rockies with future flexibility. Lorenzen’s $7.75 million salary for 2026 nearly matches his career high of $8.5 million in 2023, indicating his potential value to the team.
The Rockies have struggled for talent at the major league level and in their farm system. Lorenzen’s signing is seen as a calculated risk, with hopes that he can thrive at Coors Field, a challenging environment for pitchers. If he performs closer to his 2024 season, rather than his 2025 average of 4.64 ERA over 141 2/3 innings with Kansas City, he could become a key trade chip at the deadline.
Lorenzen joins a rotation expected to include Kyle Freeland, Chase Dollander, and Ryan Feltner, with other candidates vying for the fifth spot. The Rockies, after a front-office overhaul that included the firing of general manager Bill Schmidt, are eager to turn the page with DePodesta at the helm.
The Rockies’ fans are hopeful that this new signing will mark the beginning of a turnaround as the team seeks to escape the shadows of back-to-back poor seasons. As the franchise invests in rebuilding, Lorenzen’s performance could dictate the team’s trajectory in the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Rockies look to reshape their future with strategic signings and a renewed focus on performance.
