Five reasons why the Rockies have been historically bad in 2025

DENVER — Entering Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field, the Colorado Rockies are looking for any way they can to avoid setting additional MLB records for futility.

Off to a 4-24 start, the Rockies are on a pace to win fewer games than last season's Chicago White Sox team that set the modern-day MLB record for losses in a single season with 121. Colorado, by the way, is also on pace for its third consecutive season with 100 or more defeats.

The Rockies are also making history early in the campaign for all of the wrong reasons. The 4-24 start to the season is their worst start through 28 games in franchise history, and only three other teams since 1901 (2003 Detroit Tigers, 1988 Baltimore Orioles and 1936 St. Louis Browns) have lost at least 24 of their first 28 games.

Colorado limped into Wednesday having lost 15 of its last 16 games, marking just the second time in franchise history it had dropped 15 in a 16-game span (joining the 1997 squad, which struggled mightily from July 1-19).

So what has contributed to the Rockies' horrific start? Let's look at five things that jump out.

Coors Field isn't a home-field advantage

Gone (for now) are the days when opponents expected high-scoring games inside Coors Field. In their 13 home games, the Rockies are slashing just .241/.326/.418 with 135 strikeouts, the most in the first 13 games of the season at home in franchise history.

During those games, Colorado has gone 3-10 in Denver and been outscored 88-60.

The road has been rough

Since winning at Tampa Bay on March 29, the Rockies have lost 13 consecutive games away from Denver. 

In its road games, Colorado has slashed just .186/.248/.291 (all numbers last among MLB teams) in its 15 outings outside Coors Field. In those games, Colorado is averaging just six hits and 2.13 runs per contest.

Stars haven't performed

Third baseman Ryan McMahon, last year's lone All-Star selection for the Rockies, is 0-for-23 over his last seven games.

Center fielder Brenton Doyle, inserted into the top of the lineup to kickstart the offense after Charlie Blackmon's retirement at the end of last season, is 1-for-22 in his last seven games.

Ezequiel Tovar has been on the injured list since April 16 with a left hip contusion. However, before he was injured, the 23-year-old shortstop, who hit 26 homers last season, has no homers and was slashing .212/.257/.303 through his first 66 at-bats.

Those three were supposed to be the centerpiece of Colorado's offense this season, but they have joined many of their teammates enduring long hitting slumps.

"I've said it repeatedly. For the offense to get going, we need five, six, seven guys swinging the bat," Colorado manager Bud Black said. "(Jordan) Beck is swinging well, but not many others."

Starting pitching is a problem

Colorado's starters have combined for a 6.53 ERA this season, the highest in all of baseball. Opponents are also hitting an astonishing .329 against Rockies starters. 

No other team has an opponent batting average versus their starters higher than .300.

Young players haven't found their stride

With injuries and ineffectiveness, Colorado has turned to prospects for a burst of hope. 

However, outfielder Zac Veen (.118 batting average in 34 at-bats), second baseman Adael Amador (.219 batting average in 32 at-bats) and starting pitcher Chase Dollander (7.91 ERA in 19.1 innings) are among the prospects who have been given a chance early this season but have floundered so far.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.