The Colorado Rockies are betting big on a fresh face with a familiar name. In a move that has sparked cautious curiosity across the baseball world, the Rockies have officially named Warren Schaeffer their full-time manager for the 2026 season. The 40-year-old steps into one of the most challenging roles in Major League Baseball after serving as interim manager since May 11, following the dismissal of longtime skipper Bud Black, who led the team to a disastrous 7-33 start.
And while Schaeffer’s own record as interim manager (36-86) hardly shines on paper, Colorado’s front office sees something more than numbers. New president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta, in his long-anticipated return to the MLB stage, believes Schaeffer is the right man for a difficult job. DePodesta cited Schaeffer’s “energy and work ethic,” as well as his deep understanding of the Rockies’ culture, as key reasons for the hire.
Youth Takes the Reins in the Rockies Dugout
It’s a bold move, and a surprising one. In 2025, the Rockies finished with a league-worst 43-119 record, making this not just a reset, but a resurrection effort. Still, there were glimpses of growth under Schaeffer’s watch. In August, the team posted its best month (11-18) and showed modest improvement at the plate, batting .263 with a .733 OPS. Not stellar, but signs of life.
Schaeffer now becomes one of the youngest managers in the game, joining the likes of Oliver Marmol and Blake Butera in reshaping the next generation of dugout leadership. His youth may be an asset in relating to a rebuilding core, a group described as hungry, unified, and willing to grind.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” Schaeffer said. “We’re building something based on accountability and trust.”
A Rebuild Fueled by Familiarity and Analytics
That “something” has a long way to go. Statistically, Colorado’s offense lagged behind most of the league, finishing 23rd in batting average and 27th in OPS. But this is where DePodesta’s arrival may mark a true turning point. Best known for his analytical mind and famously portrayed in Moneyball, DePodesta is tasked with architecting a new era for a team mired in mediocrity for years.
Together, Schaeffer and DePodesta represent a new dynamic in Denver: one grounded in grit, analytics, and long-haul planning.
From Rock Bottom, Nowhere to Go But Up
The Rockies may not be ready to challenge the Dodgers or Padres just yet, but for a team that hit rock bottom, a return to relevance starts with exactly this: leadership that knows how to build from the ground up. And in that regard, both Schaeffer and DePodesta carry something the Rockies haven’t had in years, belief.
