The Rockies' Rebuild: A New Beginning
The Colorado Rockies are gearing up for a transformative phase as they approach the 2026 season, aiming to shift from a state of despair to one of resurgence. Catcher Hunter Goodman, a standout performer during the team's abysmal 2025 campaign, emphasizes the need for a mindset shift among players.
Goodman, who was just 23 years old last season, reflects on the team's mindset: "Last year, we had a super young team, and I was part of it. I think there were a lot of people who were just happy to be here. But you can't play like that. You've got to walk onto the field with confidence, believing in your abilities and the team's potential."
The Rockies' 2025 season was a disaster, marked by a staggering 119 losses and a major league record-low run differential of minus-424. Goodman acknowledges the team's lack of confidence, stating, "I think there were moments last year where we walked onto the field as a team, unsure of ourselves. Bringing a different mentality to the game would be a significant step forward."
The franchise's new leadership, including President of Baseball Operations Paul DePodesta and General Manager Josh Byrnes, shares a similar vision. DePodesta, addressing the crowd at Coors Field, declared, "I can't stand to lose. So, we must raise the standards and expectations for our players and coaches."
Manager Warren Schaeffer, retained after a successful interim tenure, believes the team is already turning a corner. He envisions a sustainable winner for the city of Denver, stating, "The goal is to create a sustainable winner for the City of Denver. It should be non-negotiable. We will constantly discuss it and work towards it every day."
Despite the challenges, the Rockies' rebuild has sparked optimism among fans. Ward Frasier, a longtime season-ticket holder, expressed his appreciation for the new leadership's moves, stating, "Last year was rough, no doubt. But I like the moves they've made. The Rockies are trying to change, giving us hope."
Veteran left-hander Kyle Freeland, entering his 10th season with the team, recognizes the need for significant changes. He highlights the front office and coaching staff turnover as part of the reset, emphasizing the importance of a new direction and ideas.
However, Goodman believes the team must also learn from the past. He states, "I don't want to forget about last season. It lights a fire under me. We can't let that happen again."
Goodman, Colorado's lone All-Star, improved his performance in 2025, hitting .278 with 31 home runs and 91 RBIs in 144 games. He acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly in his swing decisions and comfort behind the plate.
Freeland, who pitched for playoff teams in his first two seasons, wants to be part of the Rockies' rebirth, regardless of his career's outcome. He emphasizes the importance of molding young players to ensure the team's success.
The Rockies' rebuild is a challenging journey, but with a renewed mindset, leadership, and a focus on improvement, they aim to create a sustainable winner, captivating fans and bringing success to Denver.
