The Colorado Rockies are navigating a rebuilding phase under baseball operations leader Paul DePodesta as the 2026 MLB season nears its conclusion. the team is preparing for a three-game series at Coors Field against the Seattle Mariners, a matchup that highlights the stark contrast between a franchise in transition and a contender seeking momentum.
The 119-loss catalyst for Paul DePodesta's analytics shift
The current organizational direction of the Colorado Rockies is a direct response to a disastrous 2025 season that saw the team suffer 119 losses. According to the report, this low point prompted the departure of previous baseball operations leadership and the appointment of Paul DePodesta, who has pivoted the franchise toward a long-term, analytics-heavy strategy. This shift marks a significant departure from the short-term fixes of the past, as the organization attempts to return to the competitiveness seen during its 2018 peak of 91 wins.
This transition is part of a broader trend across Major League Baseball where struggling mid-market teams are abandoning traditional scouting in favor of data-driven roster construction. By prioritizing minor-league development and strategic draft picks, the Colorado Rockies are attempting to build a sustainable foundation rather than chasing a premature playoff run.
A .325 wOBA and the rise of Hunter Goodman
Offensively, the Colorado Rockies have shown signs of life, with the team's overall weighted On-Base Average (wOBA) climbing to .325.. As reported, this is the highest mark for the club since 2019, though it still leaves them in the bottom half of the league over a six-year average. The improvement is largely attributed to a new wave of talent, including Hunter Goodman, TJ Rumfield, Cole Carrigg, and Kyle Karros, who have added necessary power and discipline to the lineup.
The integration of these newcomers suggests that the Colorado Rockies' focus on diversified contact is beginning to pay dividends. While the team is not yet a powerhouse , the emergence of players like Hunter Goodman provides a blueprint for how the franchise intends to build its offensive core around high-upside youth.
The 6.47 ERA struggle at high altitude
Despite the offensive gains, the Colorado Rockies are facing a pitching crisis in September, with the starting rotation's collective ERA ballooning to 6.47. The challenge is epitomized by rookie Gabriel Hughes, who has posted a 6.37 ERA since his debut last month. While Hughes' park-adjusted FIP remains below the league average, his struggles highlight the persistent difficulty of pitching at the high altitude of Coors Field.
To mitigate these struggles, the Colorado Rockies have shifted Ryan Feltner into a long-relief role and relied on the steady presence of veteran Tomoyuki Sugano. However, the bullpen remains a significant liability, contributing to a September trend where opponents are hitting .305 with a .502 slugging percentage against Colorado pitching.
Bryan Woo's 20-inning dominance enters Coors Field
The Seattle Mariners enter this series with a significant advantage, led by starter Bryan Woo. In September, Bryan Woo has been nearly untouchable, recording a 3-0 record and allowing only one earned run over 20 innings. This dominance makes the Seattle Mariners a heavy favorite, with a 63% probability to win the moneyline in their upcoming games in Denver.
Seattle's offensive strategy is expected to exploit Colorado's volatility, particularly through hitters like Dominic Canzone, who has excelled against right-handed pitching. Given the favorable wind and temperature conditions at Coors Field, analysts expect a high-scoring environment, with a projected score range of 8-4 in favor of the Seattle Mariners.
Will Tomoyuki Sugano provide the stability Colorado lacks?
One of the primary lingering questions is whether veteran Tomoyuki Sugano can offer enough stability to prevent a total collapse of the rotation durring this final stretch. While the report describes him as a "steadied" presence, it remains unclear if his traditional approach can offset the volatility of the younger arms in the Colorado Rockies' system. Additionally, the source does not specify the exact timeline for when the bullpen's "weak point" will be addressed through further promotions or acquisitions.
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