Rockies Retain Warren Schaeffer as Manager After 119-Loss Season

UPDATE: The Colorado Rockies have officially announced that Warren Schaeffer will return as the team’s full-time manager for the 2026 season after a tumultuous year culminating in a historic 119-loss season. This announcement was made Monday, confirming Schaeffer’s role following a major overhaul of the coaching staff.

Schaeffer, who stepped in as interim manager after the firing of Bud Black on May 11, faced significant challenges, including a staggering 7-33 start to the season, the worst in Major League Baseball. The Rockies ultimately finished a staggering 50 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.

In a statement, new president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta expressed confidence in Schaeffer’s leadership, stating, “We’re confident Warren is the right person to lead our club moving forward.” He emphasized Schaeffer’s rapport with players and his embodiment of the club’s desired energy and work ethic.

The Rockies’ struggles were stark, with a starting rotation posting an unprecedented 6.65 ERA, the highest since the statistic became official in 1913. They allowed a league-worst 1,021 runs, the most since the 1996 Detroit Tigers and finished with a run differential of -424, the worst since 1900. Their road record of 18-63 marked a franchise low.

Despite these setbacks, there were bright spots for the Rockies. All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman had a standout season, batting .278 with 31 home runs and 91 RBIs. Additionally, Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle were recognized as 2024 Gold Glove winners, bringing hope for the future.

Schaeffer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue leading the team, stating, “My focus remains on continuing to build a strong, unified culture based on accountability, hard work and trust.” He emphasized the commitment of his players to compete effectively and the importance of fostering relationships with fans.

Also noteworthy, the Rockies made strategic moves for the future, including drafting Ethan Holliday with the No. 4 pick this summer and promoting several young prospects like Zac Veen and Yanquiel Fernandez to the majors.

As the Rockies prepare for the upcoming season under Schaeffer’s leadership, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team addresses its challenges and builds on its promising elements. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.