Michael Lorenzen Bolsters the Rockies with a Million-Dollar Contract
Right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen and the Colorado Rockies have reached an agreement on a one-year, $8 million contract, with a club option. This agreement marks the first free agent signing under the direction of new baseball operations president Paul DePodesta.
Lorenzen, a versatile 34-year-old veteran, is preparing for his twelfth season in MLB. With the ability to perform effectively as both a starter and a reliever, his experience makes him a valuable addition to the Rockies, who are in a rebuilding process.
The agreement, subject to a physical review, offers the Rockies a top-tier athlete with a six-pitch arsenal and excellent control. Lorenzen’s salary for 2026 is $7.75 million, similar to his high of $8.5 million in 2023. The contract includes a team option for 2027 for $9 million, with a $250,000 buyout.In his 11 seasons in MLB, Michael Lorenzen has a 54-55 record with a 4.08 ERA, 15 saves, and 826 strikeouts in 432 appearances (119 starts) for the Reds, Angels, Tigers, Phillies, Rangers, and Royals.
Lorenzen, who prefers to be an opener, joins the Rockies, who are coming off a 43-119 season, with little hope of again avoiding 100 losses next season. Following the dismissal of general manager Bill Schmidt, the Rockies brought in DePodesta, who previously served as the director of strategy for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.
DePodesta inherits a team with talent deficiencies and an underdeveloped farm system. Signings like Lorenzen’s are value bets, hoping he can succeed at Coors Field. If Lorenzen gets closer to his 2024 season than his 2025 season, the Rockies could have a solid trade option.
Lorenzen joins Kyle Freeland, Chase Dollander, and Ryan Feltner as the likely top four starters. Tanner Gordon, Bradley Blalock, and McCade Brown compete for the fifth spot, after seasons with ERAs of 6.33 or more.
The Rockies’ pitching staff in 2025 was one of the worst in baseball history, recording a team ERA of 5.99, the third-worst mark since World War II.
