The rebuilding, retooled Rockies believe they will be a better team in 2026. They’d better be.
From left, Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland, catcher Hunter Goodman, shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and designated hitter Mickey Moniak. The rebuilding, retooled Rockies believe they will be a better team in 2026.
They’d better be. They are coming off three consecutive 100-loss seasons,Colorado is hoping to avoid becoming the first team since the Washington Senators to have four consecutive 100-loss seasons.that posted an all-time worst 6.65 ERA last season. A new front office, led by the president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta, also added outfielder Jake McCarthy, second baseman Willi Castro, and first baseman TJ Rumfield, all of whom will likely start on Opening Day.Pitcher Kyle Freeland stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on Feb. 18, 2026. Tomoyuki Sugano of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 27, 2025 in New York City. Outfielder Jose Quintana stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Pitcher Michael Lorenzen stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on Feb. 18, 2026. Pitcher Ryan Feltner stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Pitcher Kyle Freeland stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on Feb. 18, 2026. Freeland, the longest-tenured Rockie on the roster and a clubhouse leader, faces a critical season. The Denver native is entering what could be the final year of his contract, so he needs a solid season, not only for the team’s rebuild but for his own future. The lefty was 5-17 with a 4.98 ERA last season.The Rockies signed the 36-year-old veteran to bring a veteran presence to the rotation. During his legendary career in Japan, he was known for his durability. He made 30 starts for Baltimore last season, his first in the majors, while posting a 4.64 ERA.Home runs he gave up last season with the Orioles, the most in the American League. How is that going to play at Coors Field?Sugano pitched 12 seasons for the Yomiuri Giants of the Nippon Professional Baseball, where he won two Sawamura Awards in 2017 and 2018, and three MVP Awards in 2014, 2020 and 2024.He’s 37, but he’s crafty and considered a clubhouse leader. That’s why the Rockies signed him to a one-year $6 million contract in hopes he can improve a shaky rotation.Since 2022, the lefty has a 3.53 ERA that ranks in the top 40 among any pitcher with at least 300 innings over the last four seasons.The 34-year-old journeyman was Colorado’s biggest offseason expenditure, signing a free-agent deal that pays him $8 million this season and includes a club option worth $9 million in 2027. He’s the poster boy for Colorado’s plan to have its pitchers expand their repertoires. According to Lorenzen, heHe threw a no-hitter for the Phillies against the Nationals on August 9, 2023, walking four and striking out five.Key 2025 number: 30.1.In 2024, Feltner posted a 2.98 ERA over his last 15 starts, the first Rockies starter with a sub-3.00 ERA in a 15-start span since German Marquez during his All-Star campaign in 2021. Pitcher Victor Vodnik stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Pitcher Zach Agnos stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Pitcher Jimmy Herget stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Pitcher Brennan Bernardino stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Pitcher Jaden Hill stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Pitcher Chase Dollander stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Pitcher Juan Mejia stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Pitcher Antonio Senzatela stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Pitcher Victor Vodnik stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. The right-hander throws hard and attacks hitters. The Rockies love that about him, even if they aren’t going to start the season with a designated closer. Vodnik had some ups and downs last season, but he posted a 1.07 ERA with eight saves in nine opportunities over his final 17 appearances.Posted a 1.33 ERA in 26 games at Coors Field last season, the lowest home ERA in franchise history .The Rockies expect big things from the right-hander in his second season. He had a terrific spring training, posting a 0.82 WHIP as he pounded the strike zone.Was 4 for 4 in save opportunities last season, becoming the first player in franchise history to record a save in his first four career save opportunities.The veteran with the unique delivery was Colorado’s best pitcher last season. His 2.48 ERA was the 10th-lowest by a reliever in franchise history, the lowest since Daniel Bard’s 1.79 ERA in 2022. Herget could play several roles this season, including opener or piggyback reliever if the Rockies use that strategy.Desperate for a left-hander in the bullpen, the Rockies acquired Bernardino from the Red Sox in exchange for outfield prospect Braiden Ward. Bernardino, 34, put up a solid 3.14 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 55 outings last year. Opponents hit just .205 against him.During his early years in the minors, Bernardino worked as a Lyft driver, warehouse stocker, and construction laborer to supplement his income.He made the team when hard-throwing right-hander Seth Halvorsen was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs late in spring training. Hill made his debut last season and fared well, posting a 3.38 ERA in 28 games.Hill worked overtime on his slider during spring training, a pitch he needs to be more effective vs. left-handed hitters.Renck: Failure, faith, fortitude make Michael Lorenzen a good fit for the Rockiesbiggest upside of any Rockies pitcher since Ubaldo Jimenez,Started last season with Triple-A Albuquerque and was promoted to the Rockies on April 24. He impressed Colorado’s staff, especially manager Warren Schaeffer, with his sharp fastball-slider combination.Pitched 33 consecutive outings without allowing a home run , the longest streak for a Rockies reliever since Justin Lawrence’s 37-game stretch in 2023.The veteran right-hander started last season as a starter but finished in the bullpen after hitters continually feasted on his fastball. The Rockies worked to expand his repertoire this spring.Senzatela will make $12 million this season, and there is a $14 million club option for 2027. Catcher Hunter Goodman stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Catcher Brett Sullivan steps up to the plate during game three of the 2026 Colorado Rockies spring training at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona on February 22, 2026. The Colorado Rockies took on the Texas Rangers. Catcher Hunter Goodman stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. last season wants to keep raking, but he also wants to improve his skills behind the plate. His 31 home runs, 150 hits, 64 extra-base hits, and 91 RBIs were all the most by a Rockies’ primary catcher in a single season in franchise history.Home runs hit in the ninth inning last season, the second most in the majors behind Seattle star Cal Raleigh .Last season, Goodman was the first NL catcher to hit 30 home runs in a season since the Braves’ Javy Lopez hit 43 in 2003.The 32-year-old has played in just 43 big-league games, including three with Pittsburgh last season, with a slash line of .204/.250/.291. But the Rockies like his defense, so they picked him over Braxton Fulford as the backup catcher.He’s out of options, so he’ll need to stick on the major league roster or be exposed to waivers. Infielder TJ Rumfield stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Infielder/Outfielder Troy Johnston stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Infielder/Outfielder Willi Castro stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Infielder Edouard Julien stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros tries to track down a pop fly in the sun during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Infielder Ezequiel Tovar stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Infielder TJ Rumfield stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Acquired from the Yankees in an offseason trade for reliever Angel Chivilli, Rumfield will likely make his major league debut on Friday. Rumfield posted above-average numbers at every stop in the minors, including his nearly two full seasons in Triple-A.The Rockies claimed the 28-year-old left-hander off waivers from the Marlins in November after he hit .277 with four homers in 44 games. At Triple-A Jacksonville, he slashed 252/.333/.439, with 12 homers, over 84 games.Signed to a two-year, $12.8 million deal in January, he provides Colorado with infield versatility because he can play second, third and shortstop, as well as all three outfield positions. He was an All-Star with the Twins in 2024.Acquired in a trade with Minnesota, Julien can play both first and second base. He’s hoping to regain the magic of this 2023 rookie season with the Twins when he posted a .263/.381/.459 slash line with 16 home runs. Since then, however, Julien has struggled, producing a .623 OPS over 509 plate appearances from 2024-25.However, he has work to do at the plate. In 43 games as a rookie last season, Karros slashed .226/.308/.277 with four doubles, just one home run, and nine RBIs.He’s the son of Eric Karros, who played 14 seasons in the majors, most of them with the Dodgers. Eric had a career .268 batting average and slugged 284 homers.A Gold Glove winner in 2024, Tovar suffered from hip and oblique injuries during a disappointing 2025 season. He’s primed for a comeback season and is Colorado’s best position player.Tovar was outstanding for the Venezuelan team that won the WBC. In six games, he hit .471 with three doubles and two steals. Outfielder Jake McCarthy steps up to the plate during a spring training game at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona on February 22, 2026. The Colorado Rockies took on the Texas Rangers. Outfielder Brenton Doyle stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Outfielder Jordan Beck stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Outfielder Mickey Moniak stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Infielder Ryan Ritter stands for a photo during media day at spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 18, 2026. Outfielder Jake McCarthy steps up to the plate during a spring training game at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona on February 22, 2026. The Colorado Rockies took on the Texas Rangers. Seeking speed and versatility, Colorado acquired McCarthy from the Diamondbacks in January for minor league right-hander Josh Grosz. The left-handed-hitting McCarthy, 28, slashed .260/.324/.381 with 24 home runs and 83 steals across five seasons with Arizona.Big-league average last season that included just four home runs and 20 RBIs. He played 49 games at Triple-A Reno, where he batted .314.In 2023-24, he became the first outfielder in National League history to win a Gold Glove in his first two major league seasons.Beck seems primed for a breakout season as he moves from left field to right field. Last season, he was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on April 7 after starting the season 3-for-20 over nine games, but was recalled on April 19 and put together a solid .258/.416/.732 slash line and 16 home runs.He had 12 outfield assists last season, the second-most in the majors and tied for the third-most outfield assists in a single season by a Colorado outfielder since 2007.Signed by Colorado just a day before the 2025 season opener, Moniak had a breakout year, setting career highs in games , runs , hits , triples , home runs , RBIs and stolen bases . He’ll be counted on to spark Colorado’s offense.Consecutive games in which he homered, from Sept. 14-18. He became the first Rockie to homer in four straight since Ryan McMahon from May 26-29, 2023.Last year, after mashing at Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque, Ritter got his big-league call-up on June 6 and batted .241/.296/.337 in 60 games with nine doubles, three triples, and one home run. He played mostly second base with occasional stints at shortstop.His batting average on the road in 24 games. Like most of his teammates, he was a much better hitter at Coors Field, where he hit .261 in 36 games.How DIA keeps TSA security lines at 12 minutes as other airports see hours-long wait timesColorado House passes bill allowing Front Range homeowners to split lots to make room for housing5-year-old Centennial boy allegedly killed by older brother identifiedAs snow melts, Vail says it will stick to its closing date; other resorts have already shut downKeeler: Why did 2026 Broncos trade for Jaylen Waddle? Because they learned a lesson from 2025 Chiefs
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