According to a report from Thomas Harding of MLB.com, Colorado Rockies owner Dick Montfort and manager Bud Black, who is in the last year of his contract, have begun talks about a new contract extension.
Black has been the Rockies manager for the past seven seasons and has lived off one-year contracts for the 2023 season and following into this season. He would likely prefer to go into the season without being a lame duck.
Manager Bud Black and the #Rockies talking contract extension. It’s not clear if they can get it done before the season starts, but indications are there is a desire to stay together.https://t.co/BKswhkoDBL
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) March 17, 2024
Rockies Manager Bud Black in Talks for New Contract
Black has had his ups and downs throughout his career. In his first season as the Rockies skipper in 2017, he brought the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2009, before returning in the 2018 season. While those playoff berths didn’t end well, with only one win in the two appearances combined, the future looked bright in the Rocky Mountains.
Since then it has been all but bright. The Rockies traded away franchise superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado going into the 2021 season, and star shortstop Trevor Story left in free agency following that same season. Amid that upheaval, the Rockies have had five consecutive losing seasons, with the 103 losses in 2023 setting a new and undesired franchise record.
Black was originally the manager of the San Diego Padres from 2007-2015, winning the NL Manager of the Year award in 2011. Since joining the Rockies in 2017, he has a 476-556 (.461) record, while being a Manager of the Year finalist in both 2017 and 2018. His 476 wins place him second in team history, only behind Clint Hurdle.
While 2024 is looking likely to be another bleak season for the purple and black, Bud Black would like to remain the manager for the long term as the Rockies try to rebuild.
Photo Credit: © Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
