Rockies Fire Manager Bud Black After Tumultuous Start to Season

In a shocking turn of events, the Colorado Rockies have parted ways with manager Bud Black, despite having publicly voiced support for him just a day prior. The announcement came shortly after the Rockies secured a 9-3 victory against the San Diego Padres, snapping an eight-game losing streak. The timing of the firing, considering the recent win, adds another layer of surprise to an already turbulent situation.

Black’s dismissal marks the end of his nine-year tenure with the Rockies. While he guided the team to playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018, the Rockies have struggled to maintain success in recent years. The current season has been particularly dismal, with a 7-33 record that ties the 1988 Baltimore Orioles for the worst start in Major League Baseball history. This poor performance has ultimately led to the decision to make a change at the managerial position.

Rockies owner Dick Monfort expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, stating, "Our play so far this season, especially coming off the last two seasons, has been unacceptable. Our fans deserve better, and we are capable of better. While we all share responsibility in how this season has played out, these changes are necessary."

The team has named Warren Schaeffer, the Rockies’ third base coach, as the interim manager for the remainder of the season. Schaeffer, 40, has been with the organization since 2015, serving as a minor league manager before joining the major league coaching staff in 2023. The Rockies are hopeful that Schaeffer can provide a spark and help the team develop its young talent.

In addition to the managerial change, the Rockies have also shuffled their coaching staff. Clint Hurdle, who was recently hired as the hitting coach, will now serve as the bench coach, replacing Mike Redmond, who was also fired. Hurdle’s experience and knowledge of the game could prove valuable in his new role.

The decision to fire Black comes as a surprise considering the recent vote of confidence from general manager Bill Schmidt. On May 10, Schmidt told reporters that Black’s job was not in jeopardy, stating, "I think our guys are still playing hard, and that’s what I look at. Guys are working hard every day, they come with energy, for the most part. I don’t think we are (at that point of firing Black). Guys still believe in what we are doing and where we are headed. We are all frustrated."

However, it appears that Monfort had a different perspective on the situation. The Rockies’ struggles this season have been undeniable, and the owner felt that a change was necessary to try and turn things around.

The Rockies’ recent struggles have been marked by a series of embarrassing losses. Prior to the win against the Padres, the team suffered a 21-0 defeat, becoming one of only six teams in baseball history to lose by at least 21 runs. The Rockies also allowed at least 10 runs in four consecutive games, tying the record for the longest such streak since the wild-card era in 1969.

Black’s tenure with the Rockies included some memorable moments. He led the team to the playoffs in 2017 and 2018, providing fans with hope for the future. However, the team has regressed in recent years, suffering 100-loss seasons in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history. Black was in the final year of his contract and was expected to retire after the season.

The Rockies are now turning to Schaeffer to lead the team for the remainder of the season. Schmidt expressed confidence in Schaeffer’s ability to connect with players and improve the team’s performance, stating, "I believe that Warren is the right person to lead us forward for the remainder of this season, develop our young talent at the Major League level and get our club back to playing a better brand of baseball. He has a great ability to connect with both veterans and young players and is an excellent communicator.’’

The firing of Black puts added pressure on Schmidt, as the team’s struggles have raised questions about the overall direction of the organization. Monfort indicated that the team will use the remainder of 2025 to evaluate all areas of its operation in order to properly turn the page into the next chapter of Rockies baseball.

Black’s departure marks the second managerial firing in a short period of time, following Derek Shelton’s dismissal in Pittsburgh on May 8. The Rockies will now look to Schaeffer to provide a fresh perspective and help the team salvage what remains of the season. It remains to be seen whether Schaeffer can turn things around and lead the Rockies to a more competitive level.

The Rockies’ decision to fire Black is a clear indication that the organization is not satisfied with the team’s current performance. The team is hoping that the changes in leadership will spark a turnaround and help the Rockies get back on track. The future of the Rockies remains uncertain, but the organization is determined to make the necessary changes to improve the team’s performance and deliver a better product to its fans. The evaluation process will be extensive, focusing on player development, scouting, and overall strategy. The Rockies are committed to building a sustainable winning culture and will explore all avenues to achieve that goal.