Rockies Part Ways with Manager Bud Black: What It Means for the Team’s Future

Bud Black has been let go as manager of the Colorado Rockies after a dismal start to the 2025 season. His firing follows a tough 7-33 record, raising concerns that the Rockies might approach the all-time loss record set by the Chicago White Sox last year. Warren Schaeffer, previously the third base coach, steps in as the interim manager, while Clint Hurdle returns as bench coach.

Rockies owner Dick Monfort expressed his disappointment, stating that the team’s performance has not met fans’ expectations. He emphasized the need for changes to move forward, acknowledging Black and his bench coach, Mike Redmond, for their contributions over the years. Monfort’s comments highlight a shift in accountability within the organization.

The Rockies will also see new faces in the coaching staff. Andy Gonzalez takes over as the third base coach, and Jordan Pacheco and Nick Wilson are now the hitting coaches. These changes reflect a larger issue within the Rockies, extending beyond the manager. Despite Black’s past success, including leading the team to the postseason in his first two seasons and winning NL Manager of the Year in 2017, the team has struggled significantly in recent years, with six consecutive losing seasons.

Interestingly, just before the announcement, general manager Bill Schmidt had backed Black, indicating there wasn’t an immediate need for a managerial change. His sudden shift raises questions about internal communication and decision-making processes within the Rockies.

This season marks Black’s 18th in Major League Baseball management; he had stints with both the Padres and Rockies. Despite a career record of 1193-1403, assessing his effectiveness is complex. The Padres were in a rebuilding phase during parts of his tenure, and the Rockies face an array of challenges that can’t be attributed solely to coaching.

Historically, the Rockies have experienced peaks and valleys. They reached the World Series in 2007, but have since faced prolonged struggles, including back-to-back disastrous seasons where they lost over 100 games. The decision to fire Black could indicate a broader reevaluation of the team’s direction under Monfort’s leadership.

Some analysts believe that the Rockies’ prolonged issues stem from a lack of proactive strategies in talent acquisition and development. Comparisons with other teams show that front offices that leverage analytics and modern scouting techniques often outperform those that cling to outdated practices.

In Schaeffer’s case, he has deep ties to the organization, having been a draft pick in 2007 before transitioning into coaching. Now he faces the daunting task of reviving a season that many expect to end with grim results. His partnership with Hurdle adds a layer of experience, which could be crucial as they maneuver through a rocky period.

As fan reactions pour in—mostly disappointment mixed with cautious hope—it’s clear that the Rockies need a fresh start. The moves being made suggest a new chapter may begin, but how effectively the team can turn the tide remains to be seen.

For those interested, more details on the team’s restructuring can be found on [USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/), which offers in-depth coverage of MLB developments.