In 2016, the Colorado Rockies hired 2010 National League Manager of the Year Bud Black as the team’s next manager. Since leading the Rockies to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018, this squad has struggled to find its identity and consistently be a playoff-caliber team. During the 2023 campaign, Colorado suffered the most losses in a season in their franchise history, with 103. While the Rockies were the worst team in the NL, they still experienced some positives. With 1,543 strikeouts as a unit in 2023, that’s their most in franchise history. The NL West Division was tough last year, but it just got a whole lot more challenging in 2024. If the Rockies underachieve again, will we see Black on the hot seat? This may be the year he has to prove himself to get a lengthy contract extension.
Bud Black’s Coaching Record
Bud Black has composed a managing record of 1,125-1,269 in 2,394 games. That’s through nine years with the San Diego Padres and the last seven with the Rockies. He goes about his job with a ton of integrity and class. Still, that has not helped the team in recent years. Colorado has finished in fourth place in the NL West three times in the past five seasons, and in the other two, the Rockies finished dead last. The Rockies and Black have not had a winning season since 2018. Black has successfully overturned about half the calls he’s challenged during his 16-year managing career.
Could the Rockies Turn to a Younger Manager?
Bud Black is under contract for this season and hopes to be back as the Rockies manager in 2025. If the Rockies sit at the bottom of the NL West or the National League, Colorado could turn to a younger manager who thrives in player development and strong analytic skills. Perhaps the Rockies’ next manager could be someone involved in developing many of the young players in the Rockies’ current prospect pipeline. Black is looking to prove the doubters wrong, even in Spring Training. Through four spring training games, Colorado has a 3-1 record. Hopefully, these results will translate to when it counts during the regular season.
Main Photo Credits: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
