The Colorado Rockies have announced that Warren Schaeffer will have his interim tag removed and return as the team’s major league manager for the 2026 season.
Schaeffer, 40, has been a member of the Rockies’ big league coaching staff since 2023 when he was named the team’s third base and infield coach. After Bud Black was relieved of his duties following a 7-33 start to the 2025 season, Schaeffer was appointed interim manager.
The Rockies went 36-86 under Schaeffer, ultimately finishing the season
with a franchise worst 43-119 record.
Paul DePodesta praised what he had heard of Schaeffer when he first arrived in Colorado as the new president of baseball operations, and stated he would be under consideration for the full-time managerial role.
“The reviews from people have been really, really strong about him as a person, about him as a leader,” DePodesta said. “I’m excited to get to know him better. But he absolutely will be part of the process.”
With the interim tag removed, Schaeffer officially becomes the Rockies’ eighth full-time manager.
“We’re confident Warren is the right person to lead our club moving forward,” DePodesta said via press release. “He has established strong relationships with our players, understands the culture of this franchise and embodies the energy and work ethic we want on and off the field.”
For Schaeffer, this is the culmination of a journey with the Rockies stat started when he was selected by the team in the 38th round of the 2007 draft. He became a coach following the end of his playing career in 2013 and has since managed at the Single-A, Double-A, Triple-A, and MLB levels.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team,” Schaeffer said. “My focus remains on continuing to build a strong, unified culture based on accountability, hard work and trust. We have a group of guys who care deeply about competing the right way, and my goal is to keep strengthening those relationships while leading a team that our fans can embrace and be proud of.”
With the big league club’s manager now solidified, the Rockies will continue their search for a general manager, as well as other front office and coaching roles.
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