The Colorado Rockies have announced that Warren Schaeffer will continue as the team’s full-time manager for the 2026 season after a challenging year that saw the franchise set records for losses. Schaeffer, who stepped in as interim manager following the dismissal of Bud Black on May 11, took the helm during a tumultuous period that culminated in a franchise-worst 119 losses.
Schaeffer, 40, was previously the third-base coach before being promoted to manager as the Rockies struggled to a dismal 7-33 record at the season’s start. Under his leadership, the team finished the year with a staggering 119 losses, the most in the National League since the 1962 New York Mets lost 120 games. The Rockies ended the season 50 games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
In a statement, Paul DePodesta, the new president of baseball operations, expressed confidence in Schaeffer’s ability to lead the team moving forward. “He has established strong relationships with our players, understands the culture of this franchise and embodies the energy and work ethic we want on and off the field,” DePodesta said.
The Rockies faced numerous challenges throughout the season, including a starting rotation that posted a 6.65 ERA, the highest since the statistic became official in both leagues in 1913. The team allowed 1,021 runs over the course of the season, a figure not reached since the 1996 Detroit Tigers surrendered 1,103 runs. The Rockies also recorded a run differential of -424, the worst since 1900, surpassing the -349 of the 1932 Boston Red Sox.
Despite the overall disappointing performance, there were some positive developments. Hunter Goodman, an All-Star catcher, emerged as a standout player, finishing the season with a batting average of .278, alongside 31 home runs and 91 RBIs. Additionally, the Rockies celebrated the achievements of Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle, both of whom were named Gold Glove winners for their defensive prowess.
This summer, the Rockies also made headlines by selecting Ethan Holliday with the No. 4 pick in the draft. Young prospects such as outfielders Zac Veen and Yanquiel Fernandez, infielder Ryan Ritter, and right-hander Chase Dollander were called up to the majors, providing a glimpse of potential for the future.
Schaeffer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Rockies. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team,” he stated in a news release. “My focus remains on continuing to build a strong, unified culture based on accountability, hard work and trust. We have a group of guys who care deeply about competing the right way, and my goal is to keep strengthening those relationships while leading a team that our fans can embrace and be proud of.”
On October 1, the Rockies parted ways with general manager Bill Schmidt, with executive vice president Walker Monfort indicating that Schmidt’s replacement would be involved in future managerial decisions. As the Rockies prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on rebuilding and addressing the shortcomings that led to a historically disappointing performance.
