The Colorado Rockies have announced that Warren Schaeffer will return as the team’s full-time manager for the 2026 season. This decision follows a challenging year in which the Rockies finished with a staggering 119 losses, the most in the National League since the 1962 New York Mets recorded 120 losses. Schaeffer, who stepped in as interim manager after the dismissal of Bud Black on May 11, was previously the team’s third-base coach.
After a dismal start to the season, with a record of 7-33, the Rockies struggled to recover. Under Schaeffer’s leadership, the team concluded the season with a 50-game deficit behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West division. In a statement, Paul DePodesta, the new president of baseball operations, expressed confidence in Schaeffer’s ability to guide 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 stated.
The Rockies’ tumultuous season included the dismissal of general manager Bill Schmidt on October 1, 2023. Following Schmidt’s exit, executive vice president Walker Monfort indicated that the new general manager would make decisions regarding the managerial role for the upcoming season.
The team’s pitching woes were evident, with a starting rotation that recorded a 6.65 ERA, marking the highest since the statistic became official in 1913. The Rockies allowed a total of 1,021 runs, the most given up by the franchise since the 1996 Detroit Tigers allowed 1,103. Their run differential of -424 was the worst since 1900, surpassing the -349 of the 1932 Boston Red Sox. Additionally, the Rockies set a franchise record with a 18-63 record on the road.
Despite the disappointing season, there were notable bright spots. All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman had a standout season, batting .278 with 31 home runs and 91 RBIs. The Rockies also celebrated the achievements of Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle, both of whom received Gold Glove awards. Moreover, the Rockies drafted promising infielder Ethan Holliday with the fourth overall pick in the summer draft, while several young prospects, including outfielders Zac Veen and Yanquiel Fernandez, along with infielder Ryan Ritter and right-hander Chase Dollander, made their major league debuts.
In response to his appointment, Schaeffer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team. “My focus remains on continuing to build a strong, unified culture based on accountability, hard work, and trust,” he stated in a news release. He emphasized the importance of nurturing relationships among players and fostering a team environment that fans can embrace and be proud of.
As the Rockies look ahead to the 2026 season, Schaeffer’s leadership will be crucial as the team aims to recover from a historically challenging year and strive for improvement in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
