The Colorado Rockies are at a crossroads, and their very identity as a competitive team is on the line. After a historically disastrous 2025 season, where they lost a staggering 119 games and set a record for run differential futility (-424), the question isn't just about rebuilding – it's about rediscovering their fighting spirit. But here's where it gets interesting: their young star catcher, Hunter Goodman, isn't mincing words. He's calling out the complacency that plagued the team last year, declaring, “We can’t just be happy to be here.” This bold statement from a 23-year-old, who himself admits to falling into that trap when he first joined the majors, signals a potential shift in mindset for the Rockies.
Goodman, the team's lone bright spot in 2025 with his .278 average, 31 home runs, and 91 RBIs, understands the gravity of the situation. He recalls the lack of confidence that permeated the dugout, the feeling of being outmatched before the first pitch was even thrown. “You’ve got to walk on the field and be like, ‘We’re the best team. I’m the best player on the field,’” he emphasizes, highlighting the mental shift needed for a turnaround. This isn't just about talent; it's about belief, about refusing to accept defeat before the battle even begins.
And this is the part most people miss: the Rockies' struggles weren't just about skill, they were about mindset. Getting outscored 142-53 in the first inning alone last season wasn't just bad luck; it was a symptom of a deeper issue. As Goodman points out, a change in mentality is crucial. It's about entering each game with the unwavering belief that victory is not just possible, but expected.
The front office seems to be on the same page. New president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta, a man known for his analytical approach, isn't sugarcoating the situation. He acknowledges the challenges ahead, stating, “It’s not going to happen easily or quickly,” but his words are laced with determination. He speaks of raising standards, of instilling a winning culture, and most importantly, of fostering a sense of urgency within the organization.
“Our players need to feel that from us,” DePodesta asserts, emphasizing the need for a shared vision and a collective hunger for success.
Manager Warren Schaeffer, retained after a tumultuous interim stint, shares this optimism. He sees the potential for a turnaround, envisioning a team that not only competes but dominates. His focus is on creating a sustainable winning culture, starting with the fundamentals: “winning every day at practice.” It's a process, he stresses, one that requires dedication, discipline, and a shared belief in the system.
Longtime fans like Ward Frasier from Littleton are cautiously optimistic. After three consecutive 100-loss seasons, cynicism is understandable. Yet, Frasier finds himself intrigued by the new regime's vision. “They’re trying to change, giving us some hope,” he admits, a glimmer of optimism breaking through the years of disappointment.
Veteran left-hander Kyle Freeland, entering his 10th season with the Rockies, understands the need for a complete overhaul. He welcomes the front office and coaching staff changes, seeing them as necessary steps towards a fresh start. But he also recognizes the importance of individual accountability. “Every individual is different when it comes to their own kind of reset button,” he reflects, acknowledging the personal journeys each player must undertake to leave the past behind.
Goodman, however, refuses to forget the pain of 2025. For him, it's a motivator, a constant reminder of what they're fighting against. “I don’t want to forget about it,” he declares, his voice laced with determination. “It kind of lights a fire under me.” This refusal to let history repeat itself is a powerful driving force, one that could propel the Rockies towards a brighter future.
The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging. The Rockies face a daunting task in rebuilding their reputation and reclaiming their place among the league's elite. But with a renewed sense of purpose, a commitment to excellence, and a roster infused with young talent, there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Will the Rockies rise from the ashes of their disastrous 2025 season? Can they shed the label of perennial losers and become a force to be reckoned with? The answers lie in the coming seasons, but one thing is certain: the Rockies are no longer content with just being there. They're hungry for more.
What do you think? Can the Rockies turn things around? What changes do they need to make to become a winning team? Let us know in the comments below!
