BREAKING: The Colorado Rockies have officially signed right-hander Michael Lorenzen to a one-year, $8 million contract, including a club option for 2027. This deal, confirmed by sources to ESPN earlier today, marks a significant move under the leadership of new president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta.
Lorenzen, 34, enters his 12th MLB season bringing versatility as both a starter and reliever. His ability to pitch effectively in various roles makes him a valuable asset for a Rockies team in the midst of a major rebuild after finishing the 2025 season with a staggering 43-119 record.
The contract also includes a $9 million team option for 2027, with a $250,000 buyout, and a nearly matching salary to his career high of $8.5 million in 2023. This signing provides a much-needed boost to Colorado’s winter activity, which has been largely stagnant until now.
With a six-pitch arsenal and impressive command, Lorenzen aims to improve on his 4.64 ERA from the 2024 season while pitching for Kansas City. His past performance also includes a unique athletic capability, having slugged four home runs in 2018 and played in the outfield earlier in his career. While his metrics may not shine in analytics models, his knack for securing outs makes him a sought-after option for the Rockies.
After the recent firing of general manager Bill Schmidt, DePodesta has taken the reins, tasked with revitalizing a team struggling for talent at both the major league and farm system levels. The Rockies are betting on players like Lorenzen to emerge as valuable trade assets should they perform well in the upcoming season.
As the Rockies head into the 2026 season, Lorenzen is expected to join a rotation that includes Kyle Freeland, Chase Dollander, and Ryan Feltner. With the potential for further roster adjustments, the team is focused on shaking off one of the worst pitching performances in baseball history, where they posted a 5.99 ERA as a staff last year, the third worst since World War II.
This is a developing story. Fans will be watching closely to see how Lorenzen adapts to the unique challenges of pitching at Coors Field and whether he can help steer the Rockies toward a more competitive future.