For disgruntled sports fans, change can never come fast enough. For disgruntled Rockies fans, change should have come yesterday.
When the earthquake struck Ball Arena and coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth were fired, I predicted that my inbox would be filled with emails from Rockies fans demanding that a similar shakeup occur at 20th and Blake. I was right.
“The Nuggets won a championship two years ago and have a winning record, and they cleaned house,” wrote Jim from Golden, echoing many similar emails. “The Rockies have lost 100 games for two straight (seasons), and they do nothing.
“Nothing ever changes. Bud Black should be gone. Bill Schmidt should be gone. Do your job and demand they get fired!”
As a beat writer, Jim, it’s not my job to demand that managers, coaches and general managers be fired. Columnists like The Denver Post’s Troy Renck and Sean Keeler can do that, but not a beat writer. I try to provide news and analysis.
Yes, the Rockies need to make changes. I think they will, but I don’t know how dramatic they will be. That will depend on how badly things go. Colorado’s 3-9 start has been ugly, but that doesn’t mean a third consecutive 100-loss season is inevitable.
Here is my take on possible changes:
• Trading German Marquez. The right-hander is in the final year of his contract, so the Rockies have to listen to offers. Marquez’s elbow is healthy, and he’s throwing his fastball at a consistent 95 mph. But he’s coming off two lost years, and his best seasons are likely behind him, so I’m wondering how much Colorado would get from him. If it’s a decent offer — perhaps for a young power hitter? — the Rockies have to pull the trigger.
Trading Ryan McMahon. The 30-year-old third baseman is one of owner Dick Monfort’s favorite players and extremely popular in the clubhouse. He’s also the team’s most tradeable asset.
McMahon, a four-time Gold Glove finalist who flashes inconsistent power, won’t become a free agent until after the 2027 season. He’s making $12 million this season and is due $16 million in ’26 and ’27. There was trade interest in McMahon last summer and over the winter, but the Rockies didn’t bite.
Colorado is excited about power-hitting third base prospect Kyle Karros, 22, who’s begun the season at Double-A Hartford. If he continues progressing, the Rockies must field offers for McMahon.
Cutting Kris Bryant. Many fans want the oft-injured designated hitter to disappear from the roster. That’s not going to happen anytime soon. If there were a younger player or two lighting things up — Jordan Beck, for example, who was sent down to Triple-A Albuquerque, still must prove himself — then Bryant’s time with the Rockies might be short.
More likely, Bryant’s playing time will be limited if other players start showing signs of life at the plate. At that point, Bryant would be a $27 million bench player. Cutting Bryant loose to “send a message” isn’t in the Rockies’ DNA. Regardless, the Rockies are on the hook for Bryant’s contract.
Firing Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens. Changing the hitting coach won’t automatically solve Colorado’s offense woes, which include a 28.2% strikeout rate that is the highest in the majors and only nine home runs (tied for fifth-fewest). Still, a message change could be needed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Meulens is fired if the Rockies continue to struggle.
Firing Bud Black. The manager is working on a one-year deal, making him vulnerable. I don’t believe he’s “lost the clubhouse.” He remains the best public voice the Rockies have, and Monfort likes that about Black.
I’ve repeatedly said that I believe Black is a good manager when given talent to work with. Taking the Rockies to the playoffs in 2017 and ’18 proved that. But the Rockies are sliding toward their seventh consecutive losing season, something that’s never happened before. If it starts to look like a repeat of ’23 and ’24, Black’s time in Colorado could be over.
Firing Bill Schmidt. GM Jeff Bridich departed in late April 2021, less than three months after the controversial Nolan Arenado trade. There were hard feelings in the front office near the end of Bridich’s tenure.
I don’t sense that with Schmidt, but the fact remains that the Rockies are in the worst stretch of their 33-year existence. I would be shocked if Schmidt was let go during the season — the wheels turn slowly at 20th and Blake — but come October, I can envision changes, of some sort, in the front office.
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