The Colorado Rockies have taken deliberate steps to improve their pitching for the 2026 season following a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw their rotation post the worst ERA in Major League Baseball. New president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta prioritized acquiring experienced pitchers during the offseason to address the team’s vulnerabilities before the season opener on March 27 in South Florida against the Miami Marlins. This move highlights the team’s intent to build a more reliable pitching staff after last year’s struggles.
DePodesta, along with general manager Josh Byrnes, secured three seasoned pitchers—Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, and Tomoyuki Sugano—through one-year contracts totaling $19.1 million. These signings are part of a strategy to bring proven players who can deliver immediate contributions on the mound and potentially be valuable trade assets as the Rockies continue their rebuilding efforts.
What Ryan Feltner’s Role Could Look Like Amid Veteran Additions
Despite showing promise in 2024, right-hander Ryan Feltner‘s position on the Rockies’ 2026 rotation has become uncertain with the arrival of the new veteran pitchers. At 29 years old, Feltner’s 2025 season was significantly disrupted by a shoulder injury, limiting him to just 30.1 innings pitched across six starts. This health setback has raised doubts about his readiness to handle a full season ahead.
“After the starting rotation served up an MLB-worst 6.65 ERA a year ago, the Rockies spent $19.1 million on a trio of one-year deals for Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, and Tomoyuki Sugano. That raises the question of how a healthy Ryan Feltner fits the team’s plans. The 29-year-old had a 4.49 ERA and 105 ERA+ in 30 starts during the 2024 season, but was slowed by a shoulder injury last season that limited him to 30.1 innings,” wrote Reuter.
This insight from Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report highlights how Feltner’s performance prior to his injury suggested he could be a valuable starter, but the uncertainty surrounding his full recovery complicates his role in the Rockies’ rotation going forward.
Anticipated 2026 Starting Rotation and Future Prospects
According to projections compiled by AvandaTimes and Joel Reuter, the Rockies’ likely Opening Day rotation will include left-hander Kyle Freeland, followed by the newly signed veterans Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, and Tomoyuki Sugano, with Chase Dollander completing the five-man starting staff. The addition of these experienced pitchers demonstrates the team’s competitive approach for starting spots as spring training approaches.
The Rockies’ strategy of securing one-year deals for these pitchers also reflects a practical approach to rebuilding. By bringing in players who can contribute immediately, the team opens the door to trading them at the deadline if they excel, thereby acquiring prospects to strengthen their long-term outlook. For players like Ryan Feltner, this situation presents a challenge: to prove both their health and consistency in order to earn a stable role within the rotation.
