Rockies To Make Surprising Move After Back-To-Back 100-Loss Seasons

After two straight 100-loss seasons, the Colorado Rockies are set to cut payroll heading into 2025, shifting their focus toward a youth-driven rebuild. 

According to The Denver Post’s Patrick Saunders, the team will reduce spending from $147 million in 2024 to as low as $125 million, driven largely by diminished TV revenue following the collapse of regional sports networks. 

This marks a change for a team that has often maintained a mid-tier payroll, even amid prolonged on-field struggles. “It’s part of what the team calls its ‘construction project,’ an effort to rebuild and head in a youth-oriented direction,” Saunders reported.

BRENDAN RODGERS RBI DOUBLE #Rockies pic.twitter.com/x5L36KGyhK

— PrimeMakar8 (@retro_colorado) August 7, 2024

To create more roster flexibility, the Rockies plan to trade several arbitration-eligible veterans, including Brendan Rodgers, Cal Quantrill, and Austin Gomber, who are projected to earn a combined $20 million. 

These moves aim to open up opportunities for rising prospects like Chase Dollander and Sean Sullivan. Rodgers, a 2022 Gold Glove winner, struggled in 2024 after shoulder surgery, while Quantrill and Gomber showed mixed results in a challenging Coors Field environment. 

By clearing salary, Colorado also hopes to make modest additions to its bullpen and lineup, though these are expected to be "relatively inexpensive."

Austin Gomber is FIRED UP after getting his 6th strikeout of the game in the 8th inning. He’s held one of the hottest offensive lineups to just one run.

HAVE A DAY AUSTIN GOMBER pic.twitter.com/FBDQgGvJe6

— Christian Saez🎙 (@cjjsaez) September 6, 2024

Despite the pivot toward cost-cutting, fans remain frustrated by the ongoing playoff drought, which is now set to reach seven consecutive years—matching the longest dry spell in franchise history. 

The Rockies have maintained strong attendance, ranking in the top half of MLB in recent years, but the decision to scale back spending highlights the organization's struggle to compete in a league dominated by big-spending teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. 

As Saunders noted, “a rebuild is no doubt the right path,” but it raises questions about whether the Rockies can contend under these financial constraints.

Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images