BREAKING: The Colorado Rockies have officially announced that Warren Schaeffer will return as full-time manager for the 2026 season. This urgent update comes after a dismal season in which the Rockies recorded a staggering 119 losses, the most in the National League since the 1962 New York Mets.
Schaeffer, who was elevated from third-base coach to interim manager following the firing of Bud Black on May 11, is set to lead the team as they seek to turn around their fortunes. Under his stewardship, the Rockies struggled significantly, finishing a whopping 50 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
New president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta, expressed confidence in Schaeffer’s leadership. “We’re confident Warren is the right person to lead our club moving forward,” DePodesta stated. He highlighted Schaeffer’s strong relationships with players and his understanding of the franchise’s culture.
The Rockies’ season was marked by shocking statistics, including a starting rotation ERA of 6.65, the highest since the stat became official in 1913. The team allowed 1,021 runs this season—the most since the 1996 Detroit Tigers—and had a run differential of -424, the worst since 1900.
Despite the challenges, Schaeffer noted some bright spots, including a breakout season from All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman, who posted a .278 batting average with 31 home runs and 91 RBIs. The Rockies also saw recognition for their young talent, with Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle winning Gold Glove awards in 2024.
The Rockies have also invested in the future, drafting Ethan Holliday with the No. 4 pick this summer and promoting prospects like Zac Veen and Chase Dollander to major league action.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team,” Schaeffer said in a news release. “My focus remains on continuing to build a strong, unified culture based on accountability, hard work, and trust.” He emphasized the importance of fostering relationships and creating a team that fans can embrace.
This announcement comes in the wake of recent changes in the Rockies’ management, including the dismissal of general manager Bill Schmidt on October 1. Executive Vice President Walker Monfort confirmed that Schmidt’s replacement would be responsible for future managerial decisions.
As the Rockies prepare for the upcoming seasons, all eyes will be on Schaeffer as he aims to inspire a turnaround for this beleaguered franchise. What happens next could define the future of the Rockies as they seek to recover from one of the worst seasons in baseball history.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.