Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen. Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Rockies make smart decision by signing veteran Michael Lorenzen

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 9:14 AM ET

The Colorado Rockies have nowhere to go but up in 2026 after recording the worst record in the major leagues (43-119) and falling two games short of tying the Chicago White Sox for the worst record (41-121) all time.

Up until now, the Rockies had been quiet on the free agent and trade front, focusing all their efforts on revamping their front office and getting their coaching staff together. One of a handful of teams remaining not to make a free agent signing, the Rockies flipped the script and made the smart decision to sign veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

According to Passan, the deal is worth $8 million and comes with a club option for 2027 (barring a potential work stoppage), which is worth $9 million. Lorenzen will be a starter for the Rockies and could have success in the Mile High City, given his pitch arsenal.

Lorenzen took a step back in 2025 in his second season with the Kansas City Royals, going 7-11 with a 4.64 ERA (27 games/26 starts), while striking out a career-high 127 batters, but also giving up a career-worst 149 hits in 141.2 innings.

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

Michael Lorenzen could be the pitcher who finds success with the Rockies

Regardless of how poor a first half Lorenzen could have next season, signing him was a smart decision for the Rockies because he will get them value at the trade deadline. Lorenzen has shown the ability to start and be a reliever, but has been more effective in the latter role, having a career 3.75 ERA in 355.2 innings in relief and a 4.27 ERA in 640.1 innings as a starter.

Since their existence (1993), the Rockies have struggled to find arms who can pitch in Denver. Lorenzen has a pitch arsenal perfect for the high altitude. According to Baseball Savant in 2025, Lorenzen used his four-seam fastball 22 percent of the time, his slider 18 percent and his change-up 17 percent of the time.

Given the high altitude, pitches like curveballs and sinkers/two-seam fastballs don’t break as they would in lower altitude ballparks. A fastball/slider/change-up mix has been more effective.

If Lorenzen can figure this out and find success in the first half, the Rockies could be walking away with at least one good prospect when the trade deadline rolls around.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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