Colorado Rockies Aim for Rebuild Under New Leadership

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies are embarking on a significant rebuild, gathering over 300 scouts, coaches, and front office personnel at Coors Field to align on a new strategic direction. This comes after three consecutive seasons with 100 or more losses, including a 119-loss season in 2025.

A Unified Approach to Revitalization

The initial focus of the meeting, led by newly appointed President of Baseball Operations Paul DePodesta and Josh Byrnes, was to establish a clear set of core principles that would guide the franchise’s decisions at all levels, from the major league roster to the minor league system. The Rockies are striving for consistency in their approach to player development and acquisition.

“I would say the basic structure is already in place,” said DePodesta. “It’s more about, ‘Hey, how are we going to work together? What’s our pitching staff going to be like, not just at the major league level, but across the organization? What do we like about the hitters?’ How are all those things connected?”

Promise to Fans and New Leadership

This overhaul is a fulfillment of a promise made to Colorado fans last season by Executive Vice President Walker Monfort, son of owner Dick Monfort. The new leadership team brings experience from both football analytics (DePodesta previously with the Cleveland Browns) and successful baseball organizations (Byrnes spent a decade with the Los Angeles Dodgers).

“They’re all very curious people. They desire to find solutions,” said Walker Monfort. “They want to take on our challenges and solve them. From that perspective, I couldn’t be more excited.”

Embracing Analytics and the “Moneyball” Philosophy

Monfort acknowledged the influence of “Moneyball,” the book and film about the Oakland A’s data-driven approach to baseball, and expressed hope that the Rockies can replicate that success. DePodesta was a key figure in the A’s organization during that era.

“Finding value where others don’t see it, that’s intriguing,” Monfort said.

Addressing On-Field Deficiencies

In 2025, the Rockies finished near the bottom in runs scored per game (3.69) and last in ERA (5.97), whereas leading the league in home runs allowed (251). The team has begun to address pitching needs by acquiring right-handers Michael Lorenzen and Tomoyuki Sugano, and left-hander José Quintana. They also added versatility with infielder Willi Castro and outfielder Jake McCarthy.

The Rockies are prioritizing pitchers with diverse arsenals, exemplified by Lorenzen, who throws seven different pitches. Rockies pitching coach Alon Leichman believes this unpredictability will be an advantage.

“The sizeable arsenals are going to be more tricky to prepare to face,” Leichman explained. “We believe that’s an advantage. The more weapons you have, the more unpredictable you can be.”

Building a Foundation for the Future

DePodesta emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation rather than implementing radical changes. The Rockies have a young core in All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman and shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, who recently won the World Baseball Classic with Venezuela. Prospect Ethan Holliday, the No. 4 pick in the 2024 amateur draft and son of former Rockies player Matt Holliday, is also a key part of the future.

“It’s really about trying to understand what the organization’s strengths are to start with,” DePodesta explained, “rather than trying to change everything.”

The Path to Competitiveness

Manager Warren Schaeffer’s ultimate goal is clear: “Winning,” he said. “That should be non-negotiable.” The Rockies’ rebuild is a multi-faceted process, encompassing player development, analytical improvements, and a unified organizational philosophy, all aimed at returning the team to competitiveness.