Colorado Rockies Hire Paul DePodesta to Run Baseball Operations

The Colorado Rockies just pulled off a surprising front-office move. Paul DePodesta is now their new president of baseball operations.

DePodesta spent nearly a decade in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns. His return to Major League Baseball signals a big shift for a franchise desperate to change its direction.

He’s known as one of the original architects of the analytics revolution. The Rockies want him to transform the team’s philosophy and rebuild a roster that just suffered through one of the worst seasons in modern MLB history.

Paul DePodesta’s Long-Awaited Return to Baseball

DePodesta, 52, built his reputation with the Oakland Athletics alongside Billy Beane. His innovative approach—eventually immortalized in Moneyball—helped change how organizations evaluate players.

He later held front-office leadership roles for the Los Angeles Dodgers (as general manager in 2004-05), San Diego Padres, and New York Mets. Then he made an unconventional move to football operations in Cleveland.

An Unexpected Hire After Strained Negotiations

The Rockies looked at other finalists, including Amiel Sawdaye and Matt Forman, but couldn’t reach agreements. That opened the door for DePodesta, whose name barely surfaced in rumors before the announcement.

It’s a genuine surprise to industry insiders and fans. Sometimes, the unexpected moves end up being the most interesting—this feels like one of those moments.

The Enormous Task Ahead

DePodesta steps into a situation few would envy. The Rockies just finished with a 43–119 record, tying for the third-worst in modern MLB history.

Their staggering -424 run differential isn’t just a bad stat—it’s a sign of a roster that lacks both offensive punch and pitching stability. The farm system offers little immediate help, with only two players—Ethan Holliday and Charlie Condon—cracking the Top 100 prospects list.

Identifying Future Cornerstones

On the big-league roster, three names come up: Ezequiel Tovar, Brenton Doyle, and Chase Dollander. Each struggled in 2025, so it’s fair to wonder how soon they’ll be ready to anchor the team.

Catcher Hunter Goodman did provide a glimmer of hope, smashing over 30 home runs. Still, his aggressive approach at the plate raises some discipline concerns.

Modernizing the Rockies’ Operations

DePodesta’s hiring means more than just a new face at the top. It’s a philosophical pivot for a franchise that’s been slow to embrace analytics.

The Rockies have lagged behind in adopting data-driven strategies. With DePodesta’s background, fans should expect a few key changes:

• More sabermetrics in evaluating player performance and potential.
• Revamped scouting processes that blend traditional evaluation with modern statistical analysis.
• Innovative pitching strategies designed for Coors Field’s high altitude.
• Organizational restructuring for clearer communication between player development, the front office, and on-field staff.

Building a New Front Office Team

DePodesta plans to hire a new general manager and more top-level executives before the winter meetings. This step matters—they need a unified vision and strategy from the minors to the majors.

The Challenge of Coors Field

Pitching at altitude has always been Colorado’s Achilles heel. Balls fly farther, breaking pitches flatten out, and even good arms watch their numbers balloon.

DePodesta faces the tough job of creating a sustainable pitching model. He’ll need to balance player acquisition, development, and usage patterns to minimize the ballpark’s impact on performance.

Why This Move Matters for MLB

DePodesta’s return stands out for baseball. He thrived in the NFL by bringing analytical thinking to a totally different sport, and now he gets to bring fresh ideas back to MLB.

Will his cross-sport experience spark real change? It’s a fascinating experiment and, honestly, something the league will watch closely.

Final Thoughts

The Colorado Rockies have turned to one of baseball’s intellectual heavyweights to fix a broken franchise.

The road ahead looks daunting. There’s a historically poor record, a thin farm system, and a home ballpark that chews up even the best pitchers.

But if any executive can rise to the occasion, maybe it’s Paul DePodesta. His career has always been about finding value where others just see problems.

Rockies fans will be watching. The future of the organization could hinge on how quickly—and how well—this front office overhaul actually works.

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