Colorado Rockies Make Huge Team Decision For First Time In 25 Years
After enduring the worst season in franchise history, general manager Bill Schmidt has stepped down, the team announced Wednesday. Schmidt, who had been with the Rockies for more than 25 years and took over as GM following the 2021 season, called it an “honor” to serve the organization.
The Colorado Rockies announced today that Bill Schmidt has stepped down from his role as general manager.
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) October 1, 2025
The Rockies will begin an external search for a new head of baseball operations immediately. pic.twitter.com/z1zKVzlJFQ
Schmidt’s tenure never produced a winning season, with Colorado finishing last in the NL West in each of his years in charge. The low point came in 2025, when the Rockies posted a 43-119 record, setting a new MLB record with a minus-424 run differential.
The team’s offense ranked dead last in wRC+ while its starting rotation carried a 6.65 ERA, the worst mark in baseball.
Colorado Eyes Fresh Leadership
Team executive vice president Walker Monfort said the Rockies are seeking “a fresh perspective” and “new vision” as they search for Schmidt’s replacement. This will mark the first time since 1999 that the Rockies look outside the organization for a GM hire.
Interim manager Warren Schaeffer’s future is also uncertain after leading the club to a 36-86 finish following Bud Black’s midseason dismissal.
BREAKING: Bill Schmidt has stepped down from his role as General Manager.
— DNVR Rockies (@DNVR_Rockies) October 1, 2025
The Rockies have began an external search for a new head of baseball operations. pic.twitter.com/s2TgjJ0xg2
Despite the historically poor showing, Schmidt pointed to a young core of players, including catcher Hunter Goodman, shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, and center fielder Brenton Doyle, as reasons for optimism.
Whoever takes the reins will inherit the challenge of building a contender at Coors Field, a task that has long stumped executives due to altitude-driven pitching woes and limited free-agent appeal.
A Difficult Road Ahead
The Rockies’ farm system ranked just 27th in Baseball America’s midseason update, further complicating the rebuild. Big contracts to Kris Bryant, Kyle Freeland, and Germán Márquez have hampered financial flexibility, while three straight 100-loss seasons have tested the patience of fans.
Still, Monfort stressed that change could usher in a new era in Denver: “This transition allows us to seek a leader who can give our fans the competitive team they deserve.”
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
