Why Michael Lorenzen chose Rockies in free agency

The Colorado Rockies are coming off a historically putrid season in 2025 in which they went 43-119. Anything at this point would represent a step up for a franchise that’s been plagued by payroll issues, poor personnel choices, and horrible free-agent signings. This offseason, they at least want to take another step towards respectability, and that’s exactly why they brought in veteran pitcher Michael Lorenzen in the first place.

What makes it so difficult for the Rockies to contend year-in, year-out, is that it’s a downright chore for the franchise to build anything resembling a competent pitching staff. Coors Field, due to the altitude in the Mile High City, is notoriously a difficult ballpark to pitch in. But Lorenzen is relishing that challenge, hence his decision to sign a one-year, $8 million deal with the team.

“It’s always been interesting to me. I’ve always wondered what it would take to pitch at Coors more so on like the pitch shapes, how the ball moves, ball flight. … Just to be able to put it into practice and see what works, what doesn’t, is exciting to me,” Lorenzen told Jake Peavy in an MLB Network special.