The Colorado Rockies are in the middle of what may be the worst season in franchise history — if not one of the worst in modern MLB history. While expectations were already low heading into the season, few imagined things could unravel to this extent. Early on, the Rockies set a record no team would ever want to claim.
“With seemingly every loss this season, the Colorado Rockies make headlines for a new level of futility: They have already set the modern mark for fewest wins (eight) in the first 50 games of a season and lost a record 22 consecutive series before sweeping the Miami Marlins this week,” ESPN’s Jesse Rogers wrote.
And the nightmare hasn’t stopped there. The Rockies are also on pace to set another grim record — the worst run differential in MLB history.
“They are on pace to make some history, but nothing any franchise wants to be tied to. Their run differential this season is minus-326 and counting. At 36-89, the Rockies are 35 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West race and 30.5 games behind the New York Mets, who are holding the final wild card spot,” SI’s Kenneth Teape wrote.
In response to the disastrous start, the Rockies fired manager Bud Black back in May. Now, as they search for a long-term leader, they’ll need someone with staying power, leadership skills, and the ability to guide a rebuilding roster. One name that’s been floated: Skip Schumaker.
“Schumaker only got two years in Miami, though he did lead the team to its first full-season winning record (i.e., not including the 2020 campaign) since 2009, and only its second playoff appearance since winning the World Series in 2003. He won the NL Manager of the Year award for his work in that 2023 season. He’s not the most experienced candidate on this list, and his second season in Miami was disastrous. However, as someone with World Series pedigree as a player and a reputation for working well with young players, he’d be a perfect fit,” Call to the Pen’s Brandon Glick wrote.
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Schumaker has been away from the game recently, stepping back due to a family matter. Still, he’s young, experienced with player development, and highly regarded across the league. With a roster full of young talent, the Rockies would be making a bold — but logical — move in giving him the job. At this point, the Rockies must make the right choice for their next manager. If not, they risk continuing down the same path — breaking more records for all the wrong reasons.
