Top Candidates to Lead Colorado Rockies Baseball Operations

The Colorado Rockies are at a crossroads again. After a short and pretty rough stint, general manager Bill Schmidt and the Rockies have “mutually decided to part ways.”

Schmidt’s time saw heavy losses—119 games dropped while he was in charge. That just made a bad stretch worse, with three straight 100-loss seasons piling up.

With Schmidt out, Rockies owner Dick Monfort says the team wants to break from its old habit of hiring only from within. He’s looking for fresh perspectives to lead the franchise into what really feels like a make-or-break era.

The End of an Era for Rockies Leadership

Over 33 seasons, the Rockies have had just four general managers: Bob Gebhard, Dan O’Dowd, Jeff Bridich, and Bill Schmidt. Some folks see that stability as a good thing, but it’s also drawn criticism—it’s kept new ideas out and made the team feel stuck.

Schmidt’s exit isn’t just another shakeup. It’s a clear chance for real change.

Schmidt’s Short Tenure and Rocky Outcomes

Schmidt took over a club already struggling. Instead of turning things around, he watched the Rockies slide even further into the NL West basement.

Analysts blame poor player development and a lack of real vision during his time. The front office just never seemed to find its footing.

Monfort’s Call for New Perspectives

Owner Dick Monfort seems to have changed his tune, saying he wants to hire someone from *outside* the Rockies’ usual circle. For an organization that’s always promoted from within, that’s a big deal.

If he actually follows through, maybe it’s the start of a more forward-thinking approach in Denver. Maybe.

The Leading Candidates

Monfort’s list of possible hires comes from all over, which at least gives fans a little hope. Here are some names getting tossed around:

• Thad Levine – He’s with the Minnesota Twins now but used to work for Colorado. Many see him as the frontrunner. Levine’s got that blend of familiarity and fresh ideas that could work.
• Matt Kleine – Milwaukee’s assistant GM has helped the Brewers stay competitive. He’s big on analytics and represents the new-school baseball exec.
• Justin McKay – Once a Rockies performance coordinator, now thriving as a Mariners executive. Seattle’s strong 2025 season makes his case look even better.
• Dayton Moore – He rebuilt the Royals from bottom-dwellers to World Series champs. If anyone knows how to turn a franchise around, it’s probably him.
• Jon Daniels – Former Rangers GM who actually started as a Rockies intern. He brings experience and a unique connection to the club.

The Challenge Ahead

Whoever lands the job, one thing’s obvious—real success will take true autonomy. If the new GM can’t overhaul the old systems and stubborn philosophies, even the best candidate will get swallowed up by “the Rockies Way.”

Breaking the Cycle of Losing

The Rockies have now suffered through three straight seasons with over 100 losses. Even the most loyal fans are feeling it.

This isn’t just about changing the GM. It’s a shot to finally embrace modern player development, international scouting, and real analytics—tools other teams have used to pull ahead in the National League.

A Pivotal Moment in Rockies History

If Monfort really hires from outside the usual Rockies pipeline, maybe—just maybe—real change is coming. Levine, Kleine, McKay, Moore, Daniels… they all bring something different to the table.

But let’s be honest, it all depends on whether the organization is actually ready to step out of its comfort zone.

The Path Forward

For the Rockies, this hiring decision is about more than just filling a front-office vacancy. It’s about choosing a new philosophy—one that finally puts adaptability and innovation above nostalgia.

The road back to contention looks long. Still, with the right leadership, the team can start building a foundation that might lift them out of endless rebuilding.

Fans in Denver have waited a long time for a truly competitive ballclub. This GM search could actually be the turning point.

If Monfort really follows through on his promise to look beyond the usual suspects, maybe Colorado is on the edge of a new chapter. Wouldn’t it be something to see a team driven by vision, guts, and a real hunger to win?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Who should take over baseball operations for the Rockies?