Brenton Doyle's Incredible Comeback: From Rock Bottom to Rockies' Hope

Rockies center fielder looking to build on strong second half after dismal start to 2025 season

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:44am

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A cubist-style painting that breaks down a baseball player's actions into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes, conceptually representing Brenton Doyle's resilience and determination to bounce back from a challenging season.Doyle's determined comeback effort is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs his athletic movements on the field.Denver Today

Brenton Doyle, a Colorado Rockies center fielder, is looking to make a fresh start in 2026 after a challenging 2025 season. Shortly before the 2025 All-Star break, Doyle was facing personal tragedy, injury, and on-field struggles, which saw him finish the first half as baseball's least valuable qualified player. However, Doyle found his form again in the second half, turning things around at the plate and on defense in the final 56 games of the season. Now, he is determined to continue his "reset" and help the Rockies move forward after an organizational overhaul.

Why it matters

Doyle's comeback is an important story for the Rockies, who are looking to rebuild after a disastrous 2025 season. His ability to bounce back from adversity and regain his form could be a key factor in the team's success in 2026 and beyond.

The details

Doyle made his first appearance of the Cactus League on Saturday afternoon, going 3-for-3 at the plate with two doubles and three RBIs. He has also worked with his personal hitting instructor, Kevin LaChance, to experiment with and adjust his hitting mechanics. Doyle has lost over 20 pounds during his Gold Glove rookie season in 2023 and was reported to have lost over 10 pounds during the 2025 season.

  • Shortly before the 2025 All-Star break, Doyle was facing personal tragedy, injury, and on-field struggles.
  • As late as July 5th, 2025, Doyle had a -2.0 rWAR, making him the least valuable qualified player in baseball.
  • Doyle found his form again in the second half of the 2025 season, turning things around at the plate and on defense in the final 56 games.
  • Now, with spring training underway in 2026, Doyle is praising the new coaching staff assembled by Schaeffer and new president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta.
  • Doyle made his first appearance of the Cactus League on Saturday afternoon, going 3-for-3 at the plate with two doubles and three RBIs.

The players

Brenton Doyle

A Colorado Rockies center fielder who is looking to make a fresh start in 2026 after a challenging 2025 season.

Warren Schaeffer

The manager of the Colorado Rockies who has implemented an off-season program, encouraging players like Doyle to focus on their physical fitness.

Paul DePodesta

The new president of baseball operations for the Colorado Rockies who has assembled a new coaching staff.

Kevin LaChance

Doyle's personal hitting instructor who has worked with him to experiment with and adjust his hitting mechanics.

Doug Bernier

The new first base and outfield coach for the Colorado Rockies who has been working with Doyle.

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What they’re saying

“Now, with spring training underway, Doyle is praising the new coaching staff assembled by Schaeffer and new president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta.”

— Brenton Doyle, Colorado Rockies center fielder

What’s next

Doyle's position as the franchise center fielder is not yet set in stone. He could be extended for the foreseeable future or traded at the deadline to make way for younger players and restock the farm.

The takeaway

Doyle's comeback story is a testament to his resilience and determination. His ability to bounce back from a dismal start to the 2025 season could be a key factor in the Rockies' success as they look to rebuild and return to contention.