Rockies off to worst start in NL history

The Colorado Rockies have set a new bar for futility since the National League began play in 1876.

After being swept by the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, the Rockies ended the day with a 6-31 record. That mark tied the 1988 Baltimore Orioles for the worst record in baseball history since the formation of the National League. Only two National Association (considered either the first major league or the precursor to the majors) teams — the 1875 Brooklyn Atlantics (2-35) and the 1875 New Haven Elm Citys (5-32) — were worse.

This run puts the Rockies on pace for a historically awful season. Extrapolating their .162 winning percentage over the course of 162 games, the Rockies would finish the year with approximately 26 wins. Even the historically awful 2024 White Sox were better.

The players are aware of the reality surrounding the organization. Pitcher Kyle Freeland called out the front office and ownership, publicly stating that “what [the Rockies] are doing is wrong.” Freeland pointed to teams such as the Tigers, Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres as examples of franchises that struggled but have built contenders.

The Rockies’ future is questionable. Players such as outfielder Brenton Doyle, shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and pitcher Chase Dollander are the beginnings of a solid core. That trio has struggled this season, though. The Rockies’ farm system ranked 18th heading into the 2025 season, per MLB.com, and may not provide much help. That murky future and the Rockies’ ineptitude have driven Freeland to the verge of tears due to frustration.

Colorado will inevitably undergo change. Hitting coach Hensley Meulens was fired and replaced by former manager Clint Hurdle. Manager Bud Black may be next to be shown the door. 

However, these changes are akin to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Unless something drastically changes, the Rockies are a bad team that may stay that way for years.