The Colorado Rockies Can’t Afford to Stay Stuck in the Past Any Longer
After seven consecutive losing seasons—including three straight years with 100+ losses and the worst performance in franchise history—it’s clear the Colorado Rockies are long overdue for a complete overhaul. What’s shocking, though, is that this organization has stubbornly resisted change for decades.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: The Rockies have become synonymous with stagnation. While stability can be an asset for successful teams, it’s a liability when paired with consistent failure. Former GM Dan O’Dowd once proudly declared, 'We’re an organization that values stability more than change.' That mindset might explain why, in 33 seasons, the Rockies have had only four general managers and just seven managers in their entire history. Most were given years—sometimes too many—to prove themselves, with only two lasting fewer than four seasons.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is loyalty to long-tenured employees actually holding the Rockies back? A look at their front office reveals a who’s-who of organizational lifers, many with decades of service:
- Bill Schmidt, General Manager (since 1999)
- Greg Feasel, Club President & COO (since 1996)
- Multiple VPs with tenure stretching back to the early 1990s
Stability is admirable, but when it leads to complacency, it’s time to ask hard questions. As Purple Row’s Skyler Timmins pointed out: 'When times are bad, change isn’t just necessary—it’s an obligation.' And things have gone from bad to catastrophic. The 2025 season wasn’t just another losing year; it was a historic embarrassment, culminating in an 8-42 start that forced the midseason firing of manager Bud Black—only the third midseason managerial dismissal in team history.
The Dominoes Finally Begin to Fall
The Rockies’ long-avoided reckoning has arrived. Greg Feasel announced his retirement after nearly 30 years with the team, and GM Bill Schmidt—a Rockies employee since 1999—resigned. Even more telling? Assistant GM Zack Rosenthal, an internal candidate for the top job, also stepped down. This suggests the Rockies might actually be serious about seeking fresh leadership from outside their insular system.
And this is the part most people miss: Real change won’t stop with a new GM. Whoever takes charge will likely clean house—restructuring the front office, overhauling the coaching staff, and finally dragging this franchise into modern baseball. The Milwaukee Brewers, a small-market team thriving with savvy moves, have exposed the Rockies’ outdated approach. As one reporter quipped: 'While other GMs play chess, the Rockies were stuck playing Hungry Hungry Hippos.'
The Big Question: Will Ownership Allow Real Change?
Dick Monfort’s promotion of his son, Walker, to a key executive role raises eyebrows. Will the Rockies actually embrace outside perspectives, or is this just reshuffling the same old deck? The next GM hire will be telling. If they bring in an innovative mind with full authority, there’s hope. If not? More stagnation awaits.
So here’s the debate starter: Are the Rockies finally ready to break their cycle of failure, or will they retreat to the comfort of familiarity? Let us know in the comments—do you trust this organization to make the bold moves it needs, or is more disappointment inevitable?
