The Colorado Rockies had a league-worst rotation last season. The first domino to fall in an effort to repair the unit is the signing of 34-year-old right-hander Michael Lorenzen. Lorenzen has been in Major League Baseball for 11 seasons. He joins the Rockies following a two-year stint with the Kansas City Royals. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the deal is for one year, worth $8 million, and includes a club option for 2027, valued at $9 million.
Right-hander Michael Lorenzen and the Colorado Rockies are in agreement on a one-year, $8 million contract that includes a club option, sources tell ESPN. Lorenzen, 34, will be a starter for Colorado, which holds a $9 million option for the 2027 season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 8, 2026
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Rockies Make Needed Addition to Rotation
Not only was the Rockies’ starting rotation historically bad last year. But they had holes to fill this offseason. Left by Austin Gomber and Germán Marquez. Lorenzen is the first free agent signed by the Rockies’ new front office. President of Baseball Operations Paul DePodesta said the Rockies would try several different avenues when it came to fixing the rotation. Lorenzen will look to do his part next season in getting the rotation back to respectability. He joins a rotation currently comprised of righties Ryan Feltner, Tanner Gordon, and veteran left-hander Kyle Freeland. Behind them is a conglomerate of young starting pitchers that filled in throughout the season. Lorenzen will be the oldest player on a very young Rockies’ club and a needed veteran presence.
He relies on a seven-pitch mix, primarily using a 93.9-mph four-seam fastball. That is followed closely by a 93-mph sinker and 83-mph changeup. His 4.64 ERA over 141 2/3 innings pitched last season was his highest ERA since 2023 with the Philadelphia Phillies. Recording a 5.51 ERA in 47 1/3 IP. He struggled with his breaking ball and fastball last season. Recording a -9 and -5 run value on his curveball and four-seam fastball, respectively.
But he did well with his slider and changeup, recording run values of 4 and 2. He was also in the upper half of baseball, allowing a hard-hit just 39.2% of the time, per Statcast. He didn’t strike out batters at a high rate, but had a solid walk rate of 6.4%. Something sorely needed for the struggling Rockies rotation. It is encouraging to see the Rockies making additions and putting their money where their mouth is. Hopefully, it is a sign of more to come as DePodesta and company look to get winning baseball back to Colorado sooner than later.
Main Image Credit- David Richard – USA Today Sports