The Rockies' Quiet Offseason: Unanswered Questions and Bold Predictions for 2026
As the holiday haze lingers into the first full week of January 2026, the Colorado Rockies find themselves in a familiar position: waiting. While the coaching staff and front office are nearly finalized, with formal announcements expected by month’s end, the team’s moves have been few and far between. But here’s where it gets interesting—we’re opening up the Purple Row Mailbag to tackle your burning questions and dive into the controversies that could shape the Rockies’ future.
Why Did Schaef Switch from 34 to 4? — Baseball Barry in Fairview
This one caught us off guard! We’re still awaiting official word from the Rockies and Warren Schaeffer himself, but here’s what we know: Schaeffer has a history of wearing multiple numbers throughout his career, including 4, 12, and 13. With Michael Toglia’s departure, number 4 became available, and it’s likely just a personal preference. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Does a player’s number choice matter more than we think? Share your take in the comments!
Should the Rockies Adopt a Home/Road Split Rotation? — JD in Norfolk
Ah, the age-old debate of tailoring pitching strategies to Coors Field. While the idea of having separate starters for home and away games sounds appealing—especially with pitchers like Chase Dollander thriving on the road but struggling at altitude—it’s logistically a nightmare. A 26-man roster simply can’t accommodate two full rotations, and the wear and tear on pitchers would be immense. But here’s the controversial part: Are we underestimating the impact of venue-specific pitching strategies? Let’s discuss!
Who Benefits Most from Coors Field’s Hitter-Friendly Environment? — Rox Fantastic in Modesto
Coors Field’s expansive outfield and thin air are a dream for power hitters, and we’ve got several players poised to capitalize. Mickey Moniak, Ezequiel Tovar, and Brenton Doyle are obvious candidates, but keep an eye on Kyle Karros. At 6’5” and still growing into his frame, Karros has the raw power to make a splash. And don’t sleep on Jordan Beck, who’s one adjustment away from a 20/20 season. As for free agents, Rhys Hoskins or Austin Hayes could be intriguing short-term additions. But here’s the kicker: Are the Rockies doing enough to attract top-tier talent, or are they settling for second-best?
What’s Paul DePodesta’s Vision for Rockies Pitching? — Dante in Singapore
DePodesta’s recent comments about organizational alignment sound promising, but the specifics remain vague. The Rockies are moving away from their cookie-cutter approach, focusing instead on individual pitcher strengths. Take RJ Petit, for example, whose gyro slider has the front office buzzing. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is DePodesta’s reliance on pitching development enough to turn things around, or is this just another band-aid solution? Weigh in below!
Looking Ahead: Arbitration and Beyond
With arbitration deadlines looming for Mickey Moniak, Brenton Doyle, Ryan Feltner, Jimmy Herget, and Brennan Bernardino, the Rockies’ front office has their work cut out for them. And let’s not forget the Tommy John surgery debate—despite a league-wide surge, the Rockies’ pitchers were among the least affected in 2025. But here’s the final question: What’s the one move the Rockies need to make to contend in 2026?
If you enjoyed this mailbag, let us know in the comments! We’ll be saving unanswered questions for future installments, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can make this a regular feature. Just remember to keep it respectful and follow our Purple Row Community Guidelines. Let the debate begin!
