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When the MLB postseason began, few could have predicted a World Series matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays. Milwaukee had been on the cusp for years and finally broke through by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Tampa Bay eliminated the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians to earn their spot.
One of these teams will capture its first World Series title this week, but beyond the celebration, there are valuable lessons for the Colorado Rockies and their president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta, and his staff. The key takeaway from this Fall Classic is not about the size of a team's payroll but rather how that money is allocated.
That's easier said than done in Colorado, where attracting top-tier free agents is notoriously difficult, but the Rays face similar challenges. The Brewers have more financial flexibility, yet their success still stems from smart spending rather than sheer volume. Just ask the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and other big spenders who consistently outspend Milwaukee and Tampa Bay but often fall short.
Last winter, DePodesta's first in charge of the Rockies, he signed veteran free-agent pitchers. Michael Lorenzen was brought in but flopped and was released in August. Conversely, Tomoyuki Sugano proved to be an excellent addition and was arguably Colorado's best pitcher in 2026 under manager Warren Schaeffer.
Colorado showed signs of progress this season, even though they lost 100 games for the fourth consecutive year. The front office now must determine which young players to build around and then identify free-agent or trade targets to complement them. Luring free agents to Coors Field, especially pitchers, is a daunting task, but DePodesta has to start somewhere. A quick turnaround is unlikely, and the Rockies aren't expected to contend next summer with the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Francisco Giants. The Giants are a prime example of spending big without reaping the expected rewards.
Key Analysis
The Brewers and Rays exemplify that success in MLB isn't solely about financial might; it's about strategic spending and player development. For the Rockies, the path forward requires emulating that approach: making shrewd acquisitions, maximizing value from young talent, and avoiding costly mistakes. As the rest of the league watches this World Series, teams like Colorado should take notes and apply those lessons to their own organizational blueprint.