Warren Schaeffer Secures Rockies Manager Position
Warren Schaeffer, who took over as interim manager of the Colorado Rockies after Bud Black was fired, has been confirmed as the full-time manager for the 2026 season. The announcement was made on Monday, generating expectations for the team’s future. Schaeffer, 40, was promoted from third base coach to manager after Black and bench coach Mike Redmond were fired on May 11, following a disastrous start to the season for the team. The situation continued to worsen for Schaeffer and the Rockies, who finished the season with 119 losses, the most in the National League since the 1962 New York Mets recorded 120.General Manager Bill Schmidt was fired on October 1, and Executive Vice President Walker Monfort stated that Schmidt’s replacement would make a decision about the manager position for next season. The rotation of openers ended with an effectiveness of 6.65, the highest since it became an official statistic in both leagues in 1913. The Rockies allowed 1,021 runs this season, the most since the 1996 Detroit Tigers conceded 1,103. Colorado had a run differential of minus 424, the worst since 1900, surpassing the minus 349 of the Boston Red Sox of 1932, and also the largest since the Cleveland Spiders of 1899, with minus 724. The Rockies also recorded a franchise record of 18-63 on the road, the worst in the league.We are confident that Warren is the right person to lead our club in the future. He has established strong relationships with our players, understands the culture of this franchise, and incorporates the energy and work ethic we want on and off the field.
Paul DePodesta, new president of baseball operations
Despite the challenges, there were positive aspects. The Rockies saw a standout season from All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman, who batted .278 with 31 home runs and 91 RBIs. In addition, they have the 2024 Gold Glove winners Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle. The Rockies also selected Ethan Holliday with the fourth pick in this summer’s draft, while young prospects like outfielders Zac Veen and Yanquiel Fernandez, infielder Ryan Ritter, and right-handed pitcher Chase Dollander were called up and had the opportunity to play in the Major Leagues.I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team. My focus remains on building a strong and 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 continue strengthening those relationships while leading a team that our fans can be proud of.
Warren Schaeffer
