2025 Colorado Rockies Offseason Outlook: Needs, Targets, Strategy

The Colorado Rockies are staring down one of the most critical moments in franchise history after a disastrous 119-loss season. That kind of collapse will stick in the memory of anyone who follows baseball’s worst campaigns.

Years of stagnation, internal promotions, and outdated decision-making finally pushed owner Dick Monfort to overhaul the organization’s leadership. This winter feels different—the Rockies actually looked outside their own front office for a new head of baseball operations, hinting at a real intent to modernize and reset the team’s trajectory.

End of an Era: Sweeping Organizational Changes

For years, the Rockies have faced criticism for running a closed-door operation and mostly promoting from within. Meanwhile, other MLB clubs jumped into analytics, data-driven scouting, and more progressive roster construction.

That old-school approach fell apart in 2024. The team fired manager Bud Black in May, then let go of general manager Bill Schmidt after the season ended.

Walker Monfort steps into a bigger role as executive vice president. Some folks are skeptical and worry about nepotism, but insiders say Monfort has really pushed for a more modern front-office philosophy.

That’s probably why this hiring process didn’t look like anything the Rockies have done before.

A Chaotic Search for New Leadership

The Rockies’ external search turned messy. Two leading candidates, Matt Forman and Amiel Sawdaye, pulled out late in the process, and ownership had to scramble for options.

Eventually, they landed on Paul DePodesta—a name that’s basically shorthand for forward-thinking player evaluation.

DePodesta’s resume includes big-league front-office work with the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also spent a decade as an executive with the Cleveland Browns in the NFL.

It’s not common to see someone jump from football back to baseball, but DePodesta’s reputation for innovation and analytics might be exactly what the Rockies need to shake things up.

Payroll Realities and Roster Framework

The Rockies head into this crucial offseason with $162.5 million in guaranteed contracts. That’s a hefty number for a team that finished at the bottom.

Here are their highest-paid players:

• Kris Bryant – Veteran slugger, but his production just hasn’t matched the size of his contract.
• Ezequiel Tovar – Young shortstop who’s seen as a core piece for the future.
• Kyle Freeland – Colorado native and a mainstay in the rotation.
• Antonio Senzatela – Right-hander still working his way back from injuries.

The team declined options on Thairo Estrada and Kyle Farmer, which most analysts expected. That move leaves them with just $59 million in commitments for 2026, so DePodesta will have some future payroll flexibility.

Arbitration Cases to Watch

The Rockies face several arbitration hearings this winter. Players like Mickey Moniak, Brenton Doyle, and Ryan Feltner are all due for raises.

Thankfully for the front office, most of those projected salaries are pretty modest, so costs shouldn’t spiral as the team figures out its next steps.

Why This Offseason Matters More Than Ever

For Colorado, this isn’t just another winter. It’s the beginning of something that could finally shake up the entire organization.

DePodesta’s job is to turn a franchise that’s been stuck in its ways into one that can actually thrive in the modern game. That means making data-driven evaluations, building up player development pipelines, and keeping the roster flexible.

It’ll take smart trades, clever free-agent signings, and improvements to scouting and analytics. They’ll probably need to rethink spring training, minor-league coaching philosophies, and even how they handle player health across a long season.

The Road Ahead for Rockies Fans

The sting of a 119-loss year is tough to shake, but there’s some real intrigue this offseason. Rockies fans should keep an eye out for change, especially if they see things like:

• Hiring more analytical staff to work alongside traditional scouts.
• Updating player development strategies in the minors.
• Exploring trades to build a younger, more athletic roster.
• Getting creative with pitching and hitting approaches to take advantage of Coors Field’s quirks.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 season really laid bare every flaw in Colorado’s baseball operation. But honestly, maybe that’s what it took to spark some actual urgency for change.

Now Paul DePodesta’s running the show. The Rockies finally have a shot to rethink their future—something this franchise has needed for ages.

The next few months? They’ll tell us if Denver’s MLB team can shake off its old ways and start thinking like real contenders.

One thing’s for sure: after this offseason, Rockies fans will see whether their club actually cares about modern baseball or if it’s just the same old story.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Offseason Outlook: Colorado Rockies