The Colorado Rockies are nearing 100 losses this season and things still need fixing, yet there are signs of growth.
Obviously, the Colorado Rockies will probably finish with another 100-loss season and long-suffering Rockies fans will have to wait until next year for a better mark.
Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes have enough data and information to make informed decisions, too. One should not expect this Rockies team to return in 2027 as it looks at this moment.
Sure, Hunter Goodman, Cole Carrigg, Mickey Moniak, TJ Rumfield, Jake McCarthy will be a part of this franchise. They have these players in place and all of them can deliver some solid punch at the plate. Don't dismiss Carrigg's incredible defensive play in the outfield.
Rockies must improve pitching staff
But, goodness, that Rockies pitching staff does need an overhaul. Don't think that DePodesta and Byrnes haven't been comparing numbers on starters and relievers. If there had been starters that were able to go beyond just three or four innings in so many starts, then Colorado would not have had to lean so heavily on the relievers.
Tomoyuki Sugano right now has 12 wins, making him the lead player in the dugout with victories for Colorado pitchers. Other starters, though, just have not been able to pick up wins when Sugano is not out there. Imagine if the team had 3-4 pitchers with at least 8-9 victories as well.
That type of situation could show that pitching and hitting was working in a complimentary fashion. I'd look for Colorado to tighten up the starters and look for a bounce-back season in 2027.
One thing that should be pointed out is that the Rockies have won more than 10 games this season than last season. This season, Colorado has not totally given up in games where they have found themselves down early.
Team has had comeback ability
Time and time again, the Rockies have shown their grit and determination. That, along with an ability to put together a few comeback victories, are hopeful signs, too.
It's probably tough for those who follow the team as a fan to see these upward trends. Yet there are some baseball writers that have taken notes on Colorado and can identify key points aiming toward a brighter future.
Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer does deserve a bunch of credit as he's focused on inserting his style of play all season long. Fans also know that Schaeffer keeps a running list of what has or has not been working.
Incidentally, this is his first full season handling the ballclub from Spring Training through Game No. 162. Schaeffer is a marked improvement over Bud Black, too.
So, this season is about to be a wrap. DePodesta, Byrnes, Schaeffer and other team leadership will focus on the areas that need to be better. Look for this Rockies team to get better in 2027.
