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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 27: Jordan Beck #27 of the Colorado Rockies scores during the third inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on September 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 Colorado Rockies season came to a close on Sunday with a 4-2 loss to the playoff-bound Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. The defeat sealed a 58-104 finish for Colorado, marking the second-worst season in franchise history in terms of both losses and winning percentage. Yet, it also represented a 15-game improvement over their disastrous 2025 campaign.
Manager Warren Schaeffer, in a pre-recorded interview aired during the game, acknowledged the team's shortcomings while highlighting the progress made. "We're not where we want to be," Schaeffer said. "We've seen incredible growth this year in a lot of areas. And the trajectory is like this [gestures upwards]. It's not like this [gestures downwards] like it's been in the past. We're headed in the right direction."
Schaeffer continued, "The win-loss record is something that— This isn't who we think we are. Obviously, it is who we are at the moment. That's what matters. But, we have to look at all the positives that happened this year and there's a whole ton of them. We all need to work to get better in the off-season to come back ready to fight next year. To get better and move this thing forward."
In his post-game remarks, Schaeffer emphasized the need for continued development. "Continuing to push this thing forward. Continuing to take what we've built on this year and get better with it. Every aspect of the game. Just put it all together and winning more ballgames next year, which, I know we will," he said. "Individually we all need to get better. Every player. Every coach. Me. Come next year and be ready to roll."
Freeland's Potential Farewell
Kyle Freeland, 33, made his 257th career start for the Rockies on Sunday, and it may have been his last. The outing lacked the emotional weight of his final Coors Field start the previous week against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the significance was not lost on fans. The broadcast suggested Freeland would pitch without a limit, leaving everything on the mound. However, he lasted just four innings and 62 pitches before being replaced by Mark Manfredi.
Freeland began with a 1-2-3 first inning and worked around a one-out double by Sam Antonacci in the second. Trouble arose in the third when Luisangel Acuña led off with a single and a stolen base, followed by a two-run homer from former Rockies outfielder Randal Grichuk. Japanese rookie Munetaka Murakami then doubled off the center-field wall, and former teammate Brenton Doyle launched a two-run homer. Freeland also hit a batter and allowed another single but managed to escape further damage. He finished with a scoreless fourth, during which catcher Drew Romo doubled but was caught in a baserunning error.
Freeland's future is uncertain. His most recent contract, signed in 2022, has expired. While a return to the only organization he has known is possible, many speculate that 2027 could mark the beginning of life without the Colorado Kid. "[I told him] how much I respect him and love him," Schaeffer said. "What a career he's had here. I couldn't be more thankful for him. What he's done in that clubhouse and on that field for the Rockies for a very long time. If he leaves, we'll miss him."
Additional Farewells
Long-time coach and organizational staple Ron Gideon donned a Rockies uniform for the final time, as he will retire this off-season. A former minor league first baseman and reliever, Gideon joined the Rockies system as a coach in 1996 and became a fixture in the farm system before being promoted to the big league staff in 2017. "You have friends in this life, but not a lot of them would literally do anything for you and lay down their life for you and I believe that Giddy would do that," Schaeffer said. "He's an incredible man. He's meant so much to this organization. We're all going to miss him dearly. It's just unbelievable to me that he's going to be gone. It's a tough one, but I love the man with all my heart." Long-time coach and scout Rick Matthews is also retiring from the organization.
Young Bullpen Impresses
After Freeland exited, the Rockies' bullpen held the White Sox scoreless the rest of the way. Rookie Mark Manfredi tossed two hitless, scoreless innings with a strikeout. The 26-year-old, acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline, finished the season with a 3.06 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 17.2 innings. Fellow rookie Nick Frasso ended on a high note, not allowing an earned run over his final four appearances, including a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout on Sunday. Jaden Hill also made his final appearance, surrendering the only hit by a Rockies reliever—a baserunner who advanced on a wild pitch—but struck out two in a scoreless inning.
Bright Spots Amidst Limited Offense
The Rockies managed just two runs on six hits in the finale. They struck first in the top of the third when Jordan Beck and Ezequiel Tovar hit back-to-back singles, Jake McCarthy laid down a sacrifice bunt, and Connor Norby drove in Beck with a sacrifice fly. Beck's single and a walk allowed him to finish the year at the Mendoza line. Tovar's single capped a strong September in which he hit .304/.328/.500 with two doubles and three home runs after struggling for much of the season.
Connor Norby proved a valuable addition after being acquired from the Miami Marlins. Over 40 games, he hit .302/.387/.457 with three home runs, 11 doubles, 18 RBIs, and 16 walks, all while playing at less than 100% physically. He is expected to undergo off-season knee surgery but should be ready for spring training. Rookie Cole Carrigg hit his 12th home run of the season, finishing at .279/.341/.477 with 22 doubles, four triples, 53 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. TJ Rumfield did not play after being removed from Saturday's game to preserve his .300 batting average and .390 on-base percentage. He finished tied for the best batting average among all MLB rookies, sole possession of the best on-base percentage, and the second-best OPS. Rumfield also became the first rookie to lead his respective league in on-base percentage since Walter 'Cuckoo' Christensen in 1926, and the second since Shoeless Joe Jackson in 1911.
Looking Ahead
A long off-season awaits the Rockies, filled with introspection, roster changes, and the continued rebuild. In December, the league may face another lockout and labor dispute as a new CBA must be agreed upon. If all goes smoothly, Opening Day is scheduled for March 25th on the road against the San Francisco Giants.
A message for our fans pic.twitter.com/7yaez4LcVU — Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) September 27, 2026
Originally reported by yahoo.