On Thursday morning, the Colorado Rockies made their first Major League free agent signing official. Veteran right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen will join the Rockies’ starting rotation for the 2026 season on a one-year, $8 million deal. The contract includes a $9 million club option for the 2027 season.
The deal
was first reported last Wednesday.
Lorenzen, 34, has 11 seasons under his belt as both a starting pitcher and a reliever. Originally a first-round selection in the 2013 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds, he has also played with the Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, and most recently the Kansas City Royals.
The former two-way player carries a 4.08 career ERA into this season and boasts an extensive arsenal of pitches. He also represents multiple opportunities for the Rockies as they begin their extensive rebuild.
To clear a space on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Bradley Blalock has been designated for assignment.
Blalock, 25, was originally acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024. Through parts of two seasons with the Rockies he posted a 8.25 ERA over 20 appearances, eight of which were starts.
In 2025 Blalock showed flashes of promise, but largely struggled with performance and consistency. In 14 appearances—including 12 starts—he was worth -1.6 wins above replacement and carried a 9.36 ERA over 58 2/3 innings while only tallying 27 strikeouts.
The Rockies’ 40-man roster is currently full.
Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!
