“We would like to add some stability to the rotation,” DePodesta said in a telephone interview with Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. “I think that’s clear … given our current situation.” He went on to say that the team will consider trading from their bullpen and outfield depth to acquire starters, while also counting on improvement from existing starters. Referring to his coaching staff, DePodesta said, “Given the tremendous manpower we have allocated to the pitching side, there is definitely room for improvement with the players we have.”
The comments come across as general standard. As is well known, Rockies pitchers have the challenge of playing half the season at high altitude. Dating back to 2021, the club’s starters have posted a league-worst 5.60 ERA and 28.3 fWAR, including just 1.5 fWAR in 2025. This year’s top starters in terms of innings pitched were Kyle Vrijland, German MarquezAnd Antonio Senzatela. Once an above-average starter, Freeland posted a 4.98 ERA in 162 2/3 innings this year, including a 5.75 home mark. Although he remains on board as the nominal ‘topper’, he will be playing in 2026 at the age of 33 and is unlikely to regain his old form.
Márquez had a nightmarish 6.70 ERA in 126 1/3 innings in 2025, with a well-below average strikeout rate of 14.0%. He is now a free agent and is unlikely to be re-signed. Meanwhile, Senzatela’s 11.8% strikeout rate was a career low. He was demoted to the bullpen for the final month of the year and is not guaranteed a rotation spot in 2026. Chase Dollander And Tanner Gordon were the only other Rockies starters to reach 60 innings this year, and they both had mid-600s ERAs and struggled with the long ball.
Given these issues, it’s no surprise that DePodesta wants to make upgrades. That is of course easier said than done. Colorado is an unlikely destination for free agent starters who don’t want to see their stats drop if they pitch at Coors. The only major league starting pitchers to sign with the Rockies since 2021 are Chad Kuhl, Jose UrenaAnd Dakota Hudson. All three signed for one year and were reclamation projects at best. Ureña, whose $3.5 million contract in November 2022 was the highest value of the bunch, made just five starts for the Rockies in 2023 before being released in April.
The team faces a similar problem when trying to acquire starting pitchers via trade. Potential partners could use the Rockies’ home disadvantage and pitching needs to gain leverage in trade talks. Most of the Rockies’ pitching acquisitions date back to 2021 and have consisted of low-level and cash transactions. The most high-profile acquisition was undoubtedly that of Cal Quantrill in November 2024. He pitched 186 1/3 innings with a 3.38 ERA for the Guardians in 2023, but struggled mightily in 2024 and was recently designated for assignment when he came to Colorado. With trade negotiations behind them, the club is forced to rely heavily on internal pitching options.
While teams obviously want to get all the value they can out of their existing players, the current rotation led by Freeland doesn’t inspire much confidence. For his part, DePodesta expressed confidence in his new pitching coaches, but also acknowledged that internal improvement is only part of the equation. A trade involving outfielders or relievers can be difficult to pull off. Midfielder Brenton Doyle While top relievers are unlikely to be traded Jimmy Herget And Juan Mejia were good in 2025, but otherwise have minimal track records. The team could give young lefty players Carson Palmquist a bigger look, but he struggled badly with control and home runs in his debut this year. Meanwhile, the Rockies have two potential suitors MLB.com’s Top 100 listneither of whom are pitchers.
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