Same old Colorado Rockies? Hardly.
There has been so much change in 2025, it would be understandable if you were experiencing a bit of whiplash.
It’s hard to believe that, outside of the owner at the very top, every single position of power, every single member of the collective “brain trust” is now a new person. And even in the case Dick Monfort, he himself admits that “it kinda feels like they are pushing me out.”
The shift in attitude didn’t begin with the hiring of Paul DePodesta. That was just the straw that broke the camel’s back. The camel of disbelief, that is.
It didn’t even start with the firing of Bud Black, though that was the first big indicator of a new era on the horizon. You could say that it started with the dismissal of hitting coach Hensley Muelens. But of course the true source of the new age began in the minds of those who matter. The minds of the decision makers.
That mind shift brought in the dynamic former Cleveland Browns executive who immediately began swinging for the fences. DePodesta could not have said more right things during his introductory press conference. It was the first time in a long time fans have heard clear guiding principles and a promise for growth.
He spent plenty of time talking generically about changing the culture of the team but also more specifically about hiring smart, analytically minded people to tackle the challenge of Coors Field. Those tactics got a tangible shot in the arm with the announcement of new GM Josh Byrnes, a perfect fit.
Then came a slew of new coaches in quick succession. Most especially, the entire pitching apparatus was overhauled. Alon Leichman came in from Miami to be the new pitching coach. He brings a super analytical approach that has included calling pitches from the dugout. Gabe Ribas out of Detroit will be an assistant. Matt Bushmann comes over from Chicago to take over in the bullpen. And Matt Daniels, poached from Minnesota, will be the director of it all.
These are the men with the toughest task in front of them. How do you solve the conundrum of pitching at Coors Field? How do you find guys who want to pitch here? Now a completely fresh set of eyes and minds are working on the problem. And that is exciting.
Whether or not they can succeed remains to be seen. Surely they have some ideas. Presumably even a few good ones! But at the very least, this collection of names leaves any notion that these are the same old Rockies deep in the rear view mirror. Moving forward, there will be a new approach.
The new guys in the front office will get their fair share of ink. And well deserved. Thought, none of them will define the generation.
For now, especially with a lack of superstar talent currently on the roster, it seems only fair to dub this new era the Paul DePodesta Era. But it is unlikely to remain so.
The best case scenario is that a player earns this moniker. Perhaps we are on the verge of the Charlie Condon or Ethan Holliday era. Maybe Ezequiel Tovar, Hunter Goodman, or Brenton Doyle steps up to claim that mantle.
But the most important person for the future of the Rockies won’t be any of these people.
The person who will, more than any other, define the next generation of Colorado Rockies baseball is Walker Monfort.
Individually, each of these offseason transactions marks a step toward a better and brighter future. They show a franchise finally ready to step outside their traditions and embrace modernity.
Collectively, though, they show us that there is a new sheriff in town.
At long last, Dick Monfort has been relegated to the role that best suits him. He signs the checks, he cheers for the team. Clearly, Walker is running the show now.