The Colorado Rockies announced that Warren Schaeffer, who served as interim manager in 2025, will return as the team's full-time manager starting in 2026. Schaeffer took over after Bud Black's dismissal in May, guiding a young roster through a challenging season that ended with a franchise-record 119 losses. The move provides continuity amid front-office changes, including the hiring of Paul DePodesta as president of baseball operations.
The Colorado Rockies are retaining familiarity in the dugout as they navigate an offseason of transition. On Monday, the club named Warren Schaeffer, 40, as their manager for 2026, removing his interim tag after he led the team from May 11 onward in 2025. Schaeffer becomes the eighth full-time manager in franchise history, succeeding Bud Black, who was let go when the Rockies sat at 7-33 (.175 winning percentage).
Under Schaeffer, the Rockies posted a 36-86 record (.295), contributing to a total of 43-119 for the season—the third-most losses in MLB since 1900, tied with the 2003 Tigers. This marked Colorado's seventh straight losing season, fourth consecutive last-place finish in the NL West, and third year in a row with over 100 losses. The roster, one of the youngest in the majors, featured a franchise-record 13 players making their MLB debuts, highlighting ongoing growth pains.
Schaeffer's tenure began rocky, with 17 losses in the first 19 games, but showed promise later: the team won eight of 15 next, nearly doubling its season win total at that point, and played near .500 ball (17 wins in 35 games) in the first six weeks after the All-Star break before faltering with 23 losses in the final 29.
A Rockies lifer, Schaeffer was drafted by Colorado in the 38th round of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Virginia Tech and played in their farm system through 2012. He transitioned to coaching, managing the Single-A Asheville Tourists in 2015, Double-A Hartford Yard Goats from 2018-19, and Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes from 2021-22 before joining the major-league staff as third-base and infield coach in 2023.
"I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team," Schaeffer said. "My focus remains on continuing to build a strong, unified culture based on accountability, hard work and trust. We have a group of guys who care deeply about competing the right way, and my goal is to keep strengthening those relationships while leading a team that our fans can embrace and be proud of."
Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta, hired earlier in November, endorsed the choice: "We’re confident Warren is the right person to lead our club moving forward. He has established strong relationships with our players, understands the culture of this franchise and embodies the energy and work ethic we want on and off the field."
The decision emphasizes player development and relationships with young talent, as the organization aims to modernize and return to contention after years of struggles.
