Rockies Franchise Hits Historic Low After Years of Mismanagement

A lifelong fan reflects on the team's downfall and the glimmer of hope in a new front office regime.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a Rockies baseball game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of purple, blue, and orange, capturing the energy and chaos of Coors Field.The Rockies' long struggle to find success at Coors Field is captured in a fractured, cubist-inspired painting that reflects the team's chaotic history.Denver Today

A lifelong Colorado Rockies fan details the team's long decline, from the early success of the 'Blake Street Bombers' to the franchise's recent historic futility, including multiple 100-loss seasons. The fan recounts the team's failed attempts to build a winning roster, the frustration of watching star players like Nolan Arenado depart, and the disconnect between the front office and the players. However, the fan also expresses cautious optimism about the Rockies' recent front office overhaul, led by new president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta.

Why it matters

The Rockies' struggles over the past decade highlight the challenges of building a consistent winner in the unique environment of Coors Field, as well as the consequences of poor roster management and a disconnect between the front office and players. The team's historic futility has alienated many longtime fans, but the new front office hires offer a glimmer of hope that the franchise can turn things around.

The details

The article details the Rockies' early success in the 1990s with the 'Blake Street Bombers' lineup, as well as the team's struggles to build a consistent pitching staff that could succeed at the high elevation of Coors Field. It chronicles the team's various attempts under former GM Dan O'Dowd to address the pitching issues, including the use of a humidor and an experimental 'piggyback' pitching rotation. The article also highlights key roster decisions, such as the team's failure to re-sign DJ LeMahieu and the controversial trade of Nolan Arenado, that contributed to the team's downfall in the 2010s. The article also notes the Rockies' reluctance to invest in analytics and player development, which further hindered the team's competitiveness.

  • The Rockies made the playoffs in 1995 and 2007, but have had only nine winning seasons in over three decades.
  • In 2023, the Rockies put together a 103-loss season, a new low for the franchise.
  • In 2024, the Rockies lost 101 games, and the fan decided to boycott the team for the 2025 season, during which they went 43-119.
  • In November 2025, the Rockies hired Paul DePodesta as president of baseball operations, signaling a major front office overhaul.

The players

Larry Walker

A franchise icon and member of the 'Blake Street Bombers' lineup in the 1990s.

Nolan Arenado

One of the best players in Rockies history, who requested a trade in 2020 due to frustration with the team's direction.

Dick Monfort

The majority owner and CEO of the Rockies, who has been criticized for his optimistic public statements and unwillingness to make significant changes.

Walker Monfort

The team's president, who has taken on a larger role in shaping the franchise's future.

Paul DePodesta

The new president of baseball operations, hired in 2025 to lead the Rockies' front office overhaul.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Dick Monfort ran the Rockies like a mom-and-pop coffeeshop. Everyone stays the same, and you get promoted from within. In reality, no other MLB franchise operates like that.”

— Christian Saez, Rockies reporter

What’s next

The Rockies will be closely watched to see if the new front office regime led by Paul DePodesta and Walker Monfort can turn the franchise around and end its long stretch of futility.

The takeaway

The Rockies' struggles over the past decade serve as a cautionary tale about the challenges of building a consistent winner in the unique environment of Coors Field, as well as the consequences of poor roster management and a disconnect between the front office and players. However, the team's recent front office overhaul offers a glimmer of hope that the Rockies can recapture the magic of their early years and become a competitive team once again.