UPDATE: The Colorado Rockies have officially announced that Warren Schaeffer will return as the team’s full-time manager for the 2026 season. This decision follows a tumultuous year where the Rockies suffered a staggering 119 losses, marking one of the worst seasons in Major League Baseball history.
Schaeffer, who was elevated to interim manager after the firing of Bud Black on May 11, took the reins during a season that saw the Rockies start with a dismal 7-33 record. His appointment as full-time manager was confirmed on October 1, 2023, shortly after Bill Schmidt, the general manager, was dismissed.
The Rockies’ performance this past season was historically poor, finishing 50 games behind the leading Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. The team’s 6.65 ERA marked the highest for a starting rotation since statistics became official in 1913. Furthermore, they allowed 1,021 runs, the most since the 1996 Detroit Tigers and had a run differential of -424, the worst since 1900.
In an official statement, Paul DePodesta, new president of baseball operations, expressed confidence in Schaeffer’s ability to lead the team into a new era. “We’re confident Warren is the right person to lead our club moving forward,” DePodesta stated. “He has established strong relationships with our players and embodies the energy and work ethic we want on and off the field.”
Despite the team’s struggles, there were bright spots this season. The Rockies celebrated the breakout season of All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman, who achieved a .278 batting average with 31 home runs and 91 RBIs. Additionally, the team boasted 2024 Gold Glove winners in Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle, and high hopes for their recent draft pick, Ethan Holliday, selected with the No. 4 pick.
Schaeffer expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue managing the Rockies. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team,” he said. “My focus remains on building a strong, unified culture based on accountability, hard work, and trust.”
As the Rockies look to rebuild after this challenging season, fans eagerly await the changes Schaeffer will implement in the coming years. With a commitment to fostering strong relationships among players and cultivating a competitive spirit, the Rockies aim to turn the tide and bring pride back to their fanbase.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Rockies prepare for a critical offseason and the upcoming 2024 season.
