Warren Schaeffer will continue to lead the Colorado Rockies as manager for the 2026 season, as announced this Monday. Schaeffer took over the position on an interim basis after the dismissal of Bud Black, amidst a historically difficult season for the franchise. Schaeffer, 40, was promoted from third base coach to manager on May 11, following the dismissal of Black and bench coach Mike Redmond, after a 7-33 start to the season, the worst in the league. With more than a decade in the Rockies organization, Schaeffer becomes the eighth full-time manager in club history. The situation did not improve for Schaeffer and the Rockies, who finished with 119 losses, the most in the National League since the 1962 New York Mets recorded 120. The team finished 50 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West Division.
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 figure 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 allowed 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 highest since the Cleveland Spiders of 1899 with minus-724, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Additionally, Colorado had an 18-63 road record, the worst in the league and a franchise record. Despite the results, there were some positives. The Rockies saw a standout season from All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman, who hit .278 with 31 home runs and 91 RBIs. In addition, they had 2024 Gold Glove winners Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle. The Rockies also selected Ethan Holliday with the fourth overall pick this summer, 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 majors.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 embodies the energy and work ethic we want on and off the field.
Paul DePodesta, new president of baseball operations
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team. My focus remains on continuing to build 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 embrace and be proud of.
Warren Schaeffer
