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Are Rockies finally figuring out the formula for success?

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 3:40 PM ET

The Colorado Rockies, under a new front office, have done well turning their roster over after having the worst record in baseball last season (43-119).

After signing utilityman Willi Castro to a two-year deal ($12.8 million) and right-hander Michael Lorenzen to a one-year deal ($8 million) and acquiring outfielder Jake McCarthy via trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Rockies' roster already looks better than last year’s.

Not stopping there, the Rockies further added depth to their roster, acquiring second baseman/first baseman Edouard Julien and right-hander Pierson Ohl from the Minnesota Twins for Single-A pitcher Jace Kaminska, according to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes. Kaminska missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery.

Julien and Ohl didn’t do well for the Twins in 2025, with Julien batting .220 with an OPS of .633 in 64 games and Ohl posting a 0-3 record with a 5.10 ERA in 14 games (30.0 innings).

#MNTwins trade Edouard Julien & Pierson Ohl to Colorado for Single-A pitcher Jace Kaminska & cash.

Kaminska had Tommy John & missed 2025, but was Cal League pitcher of the year in 2024 with 104 strikeouts and a 2.78 ERA in 87 1/3 IP at Fresno.

Twins' 40-man is down to 39.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) January 28, 2026

The Rockies are finally figuring out the formula for success

With both players having down years, a change of scenery could help Julien and Ohl find their footing. Both new to the big leagues, with Julien having around three years of service time and Ohl entering his sophomore season in 2026.

Needing a first baseman after granting Michael Toglia his release, and not having a clear starter at second base, Julien could have a potential everyday role in Colorado or platoon with first baseman Blaine Crim (.200 and five home runs). Despite not showing it while in the big leagues, Julien hit .276 and mashed 11 home runs in Triple-A, showcasing his ability to put the bat on the ball.

Ohl made three starts last season for the Twins and could offer manager Warren Schaffer another option in his starting rotation.

Though Julien and Ohl won’t move the needle too much for the Rockies, it puts them further on the track of success. Julien joins other potential slap-happy hitters like Ezequiel Tovar (.253), Mickey Moniak (.270), Brenton Doyle (.233) and a speedster in McCarthy (83 career steals), to add to the toolsy players the Rockies desperately needed.

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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