The Colorado Rockies are facing a daunting task in improving their starting pitching, following a season that saw them lose 119 games, one of the worst in modern baseball history. With a 6.65 ERA and a league-worst K-BB rate, the team's starting pitchers were a key factor in their poor performance. The Rockies' president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta, has identified the rotation as an area of focus for his newly-hired front office, aiming to add stability and improve performance.
The Challenges of Playing at High Altitude
One of the main challenges for Rockies pitchers is playing at high altitude. Dating back to 2021, the club's starters have posted a league-worst 5.60 ERA and 28.3 fWAR, with a mere 1.5 fWAR in 2025. The top starters this year by innings pitched were Kyle Freeland, Germán Márquez, and Antonio Senzatela, but none of them performed well at home.
The Need for Improvement
DePodesta acknowledges that the team needs to improve, but he's confident in his new pitching coaches. However, he also recognizes that internal improvement is only part of the equation. The team faces a similar problem in attempting to add starting pitchers via trade, as potential partners can use the Rockies' home-field disadvantage to gain leverage in trade talks.
The Options for Improvement
The Rockies have two prospects among MLB.com's Top 100 list, neither of whom are pitchers. They could give young lefty Carson Palmquist a bigger look, but he struggled badly with control and home runs in his debut this year. The team could also consider trading from their bullpen and outfield depth to acquire starters, but this would be a difficult move.
The Question for the Audience
What do you think is the best way for the Rockies to improve their starting pitching? Let us know in the poll below: [Poll link]
The Controversy
The Rockies' struggles with starting pitching have sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some argue that the team should focus on acquiring proven starters via trade, while others believe that internal improvement is the best option. The question of whether to trade for starters or develop young talent internally is a complex one, and the Rockies' front office will need to make a decision that best serves the team's long-term goals.
