Rockies Hit Reset: DePodesta, Byrnes Bring New Direction to Colorado’s Rebuild
The Colorado Rockies are stepping into 2026 with a new mindset-and a new front office. After years of irrelevance and a forgettable 43-119 campaign last season, the franchise is signaling a shift in direction by bringing in Paul DePodesta as president of baseball operations and Josh Byrnes as general manager.
These are not just cosmetic changes. These are baseball minds with long resumes and analytical chops, and their arrival suggests that Colorado is finally ready to get serious about building something sustainable.
But don’t expect miracles overnight. While the Rockies are clearly laying the groundwork for a long-term turnaround, the short-term reality is still a work in progress.
The roster, as it stands, isn’t built to contend. However, with some exciting young talent on the horizon-Charlie Condon, Chase Dollander, and Brody Brecht among them-there’s at least a sense that the organization is moving in the right direction.
Infield in Flux: Spring Training Brings Open Competition
As Spring Training gets underway, most teams are fine-tuning a few roster spots. Maybe a fifth starter here, a bench role there.
In Colorado? They’re holding what amounts to an open casting call for the infield-shortstop excluded.
Ezequiel Tovar is the only name you can write in ink. The 24-year-old has locked down the shortstop job with his glove-first approach and flashes of offensive upside. Beyond that, it’s a wide-open battle at first, second, and third base.
Edouard Julien looks like a near-lock to claim one of the spots on the right side. His bat has always played, and while his defensive fit is still a question, the Rockies are clearly banking on his offensive ceiling.
At third, Kyle Karros has earned himself a long look after a promising showing last year. He doesn’t have the pedigree of some of the game’s top prospects, but he’s shown enough to make things interesting.
Then there’s Ryan Ritter, a toolsy infielder with 20/20 potential who could force his way into the conversation if he puts it together this spring. And don’t overlook Willi Castro-the veteran utilityman who can play just about anywhere. While he may not be the everyday answer at any one spot, his versatility makes him a valuable piece for a team still trying to figure out what it has.
A Good Problem to Have?
It’s not often a team enters camp with three infield jobs up for grabs, but in Colorado’s case, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Rockies aren’t locked into bloated contracts or aging veterans. Instead, they’ve got a mix of young players, bounce-back candidates, and versatile veterans all vying for a chance to make their mark.
That kind of competition can be healthy-especially for a team in transition. It forces players to earn their roles, and it gives the front office a chance to evaluate who fits into the long-term vision. With DePodesta and Byrnes now steering the ship, you can bet those evaluations will be thorough and data-driven.
So while the Rockies may not be ready to climb out of the NL West cellar just yet, they’re finally starting to turn the page. The rebuild is real, and the foundation is slowly taking shape. The infield battle is just one piece of the puzzle-but it’s a fascinating one to watch as Colorado tries to chart a new course.