The MLB offseason is still waiting for that big splash, and while a few notable names like Edwin Díaz, Pete Alonso, and Dylan Cease have found new homes for 2026, much of the market remains quiet. Among the teams yet to make noise in free agency? The Colorado Rockies - and that’s not exactly a shocker.
Let’s start with the obvious: the Rockies are under new leadership. Paul DePodesta, the newly appointed president of baseball operations, didn’t even step into the role until early November.
Since then, he’s been in full-on evaluation mode, laying the groundwork for a franchise that’s clearly in transition. With a mountain of work ahead - both short- and long-term - DePodesta is focusing on structure before splash.
One of his first major decisions came quickly: removing the interim tag from manager Warren Schaeffer and naming him the full-time skipper for the 2026 season. Schaeffer took over in May after the firing of longtime manager Bud Black and guided a struggling Rockies squad through a brutal stretch that ended with 119 losses.
That’s a tough number to swallow, but Schaeffer clearly earned the respect of the clubhouse. Several players publicly backed him for the permanent role, and now he gets his shot to lead the team from the start.
As for what that team will look like? That’s still very much up in the air.
The Rockies, along with the Boston Red Sox, are the only two clubs yet to sign a free agent this offseason. For Colorado, given the timing of DePodesta’s hire and the state of the roster, it makes sense.
For Boston, sitting idle in the ultra-competitive American League East, it’s a head-scratcher. But that’s another story.
Back in Denver, DePodesta has been busy assembling his front office team and helping Schaeffer round out his coaching staff. That foundational work is important, especially for a franchise that’s endured three straight 100-loss seasons. But at some point, the focus has to shift to the roster itself - and that’s starting to happen, even if it’s just in small steps.
The Rockies made a move, trading with the Red Sox to acquire left-handed reliever Brennan Bernardino in exchange for minor leaguer Braiden Ward. It’s not the kind of transaction that grabs headlines, but it’s the type of addition that serves a purpose.
Bernardino gives Schaeffer another bullpen arm and someone who can handle a spot start if needed. For a team trying to stabilize and build a new identity, these are the kinds of incremental moves that matter.
No one’s expecting the Rockies to suddenly become contenders overnight. This is a rebuild - and DePodesta knows it.
The moves he makes this winter, however subtle, are about laying a foundation. The focus isn’t on headline signings right now; it’s about reshaping the culture, building a staff that aligns with the new vision, and slowly assembling a roster that can compete down the line.
So while the Rockies may be quiet in free agency for now, don’t mistake that for inaction. There’s a plan in motion - and for a franchise that’s been stuck in neutral for far too long, that’s a step in the right direction.