A New Chapter Begins: Rockies Gear Up for Spring Training Under Warren Schaeffer
After seven straight losing seasons - capped by a franchise-worst 43-119 finish in 2025 - the Colorado Rockies are entering Spring Training with something they haven’t had in a while: a clean slate and a full-time skipper in Warren Schaeffer. The interim tag is gone, and Schaeffer now has the reins in what the Rockies hope is the beginning of a long-term turnaround.
No one’s expecting a miracle in 2026. This is still a team in the early stages of rebuilding, but Spring Training in Arizona offers the first real glimpse at what the new era might look like - and who might be part of it.
Key Dates: When Baseball Starts to Feel Real Again
- Pitchers and catchers report: February 12
- First full-squad workout: February 17
- Fan access: Yes, fans are welcome to attend workouts
Salt River Fields in Scottsdale will once again be the Rockies’ spring home, and for fans eager to see what the future looks like, there’s plenty of young talent to keep an eye on.
Meet the Next Wave: Prospects to Watch in Camp
The Rockies are bringing some of their top young talent to Major League camp this spring - and while not all of them are locks to make the Opening Day roster, these are names fans should get familiar with now:
- OF Zac Veen (No. 11 prospect): Veen’s blend of speed and power has had scouts buzzing for years. This spring could be his chance to show he’s ready to take the next step after dealing with injuries last season.
- LHP Carson Palmquist (No. 13): A deceptive lefty with a funky delivery and solid strikeout numbers, Palmquist could be a dark horse for innings this year.
- RHP Gabriel Hughes (No. 14): The Rockies’ 2022 first-rounder is back in camp and looking to build momentum after a challenging year on the mound.
- OF Sterlin Thompson (No. 15): A smooth left-handed hitter who’s shown flashes of gap-to-gap power - Thompson is one to watch if he gets hot early.
- LHP Welinton Herrera (No. 20): Young and electric, Herrera has the kind of stuff that turns heads during bullpen sessions.
These five are all on the 40-man roster, and while the full list of non-roster invitees hasn’t been released yet, expect more intriguing names to join the fold soon.
Spring Training Game Highlights
The Rockies’ Cactus League schedule gives fans plenty of opportunities to see both veterans and prospects in action. Circle these matchups on the calendar:
- March 2 vs. Dodgers - A good early test against a perennial contender
- March 4 vs. Team USA - Yes, that Team USA.
A unique spring showdown with national pride on the line
- March 7 at Dodgers - A night game under the lights in Glendale
- March 20 at Padres - A late-spring look at a division rival
One of the most exciting events for prospect-watchers will be the Spring Breakout game on March 21, where Rockies and Diamondbacks top prospects will square off at Salt River Fields (6 p.m. MDT). It’s a showcase designed to spotlight the next generation - and for a rebuilding team like Colorado, that’s where the real story lies.
Where to Watch and Listen
If you can’t make it to Arizona, there’s still plenty of coverage lined up:
Televised Games (Rockies.TV):
- Feb. 20 vs.
Diamondbacks
- Feb. 24 vs.
Angels
- Feb. 28 vs.
Royals
- March 2 vs.
Dodgers
- March 4 vs.
Team USA (with Rockies TV broadcasters)
- March 8 vs.
Guardians
- March 13 vs.
Rangers
- March 17 vs.
Mariners
- March 23 vs.
Tigers (with Rockies TV broadcasters)
Radio Broadcasts (KOA Rockies Radio Network):
- All televised games will also be simulcast on radio, with additional coverage on:
- Feb. 22 at Rangers
- March 1 at Guardians
- March 9 at White Sox
- March 15 at Angels
Wrapping Up in Arizona
The Rockies will close out their time in the desert with back-to-back games against the Tigers:
- March 23 at 7:10 p.m. MDT
- March 24 at 1:10 p.m. MDT
And then it’s off to Miami for the season opener against the Marlins on March 27 at 5:10 p.m. MT.
Final Thoughts
No one’s pretending this is a playoff-ready roster - not yet. But for a franchise trying to reset its trajectory, Spring Training 2026 is less about wins and losses and more about laying the foundation. With a new manager, a crop of promising young players, and a fanbase hungry for signs of life, this spring could be the first step toward something better.
The Rockies have a long road ahead - but every journey starts somewhere. For Colorado, that road begins in Scottsdale.