The Colorado Rockies show signs of improvement in 2026, with several indicators suggesting they are better than last year's team. Despite recent ups and downs, fans can find hope in the team's progress as they face tough opponents ahead.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Manager Warren Schaeffer #4 of the Colorado Rockies looks on before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on April 09, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the hype of sweeping the Houston Astros and the crushing reality of being swept by the San Diego Padres in a four-game series, last week was a roller coaster for Colorado Rockies fans.
While progress will be slow in the climb to change the trajectory of an organization thatâs lost more than 100 games in three straight seasons, several indicators show this team is considerably better than the 2025 squad at this point last year. That could be good to keep in mind, considering the five remaining series in April will be against teams that finished above .500 last year. This includes a four-game matchup with the Dodgers thatâs part of a seven-game homestand that includes three more games against the Padres.
Through 16 games, here are eight reasons to believe the Rockies are on the right track.
While three might not feel like a lot, it really is. Through 16 games last year, the Rockies were 3-13. Right now, the Rockies are 6-10. Riding a four-game losing streak, 6-10 doesnât feel great. However, just think about last season. It took the Rockies until May 1, at which point they were 6-25, to earn six wins. In earning six wins, the 2025 Rockies had a .165 winning percentage. Through Sunday, the Rockies winning percentage is .375.
In 2025, the Rockies were getting rocked by opposing hitters. Through 16 games, the Rockies had given up 89 runs and scored only 43 for a jaw-dropping run differential of -46. Thatâs hard to do so early in the season.
This season, the Rockies have a -6 run differential. That means more close games and more entertaining games. The Rockies have scored 65 runs, which is a vast improvement from last season, and given up 71.
Some rough outings against the Padres might make it seem like the bullpen is worse than it really is. Not to make excuses, but the Rockies are down a starter after Jose Quintana hit the 15-day IL with a right hamstring injury. Plus, the San Diego series hit the bullpen hard with a 12-inning contest on Thursday and Kyle Freeland being scratched while warming up for his start on Sunday, resulting in a bullpen day.
Even with that amount of stress, the bullpen ERA is down from 5.50 at this point last season to 3.76 heading into Tuesdayâs series opener in Houston. A huge part of that lower number is thanks to Antonio Senzatela, who has thrown nine scoreless innings over four appearances with 12 strikeouts for a 0.00 ERA. Jimmy Herget has also continued to shine, giving up only two runs in nine innings over eight appearances, which include two opener starts. In relief only, heâs posted a 1.29 ERA. Jaden Hill has also been impressive, recording a 1.42 ERA in 6.1 innings.
The Rockies are more competitive because, in 2026, they are in more games until the end. They started the season losing three one-run games. They have played in five one-run games, going 1-4 in them. They have also been walked-off by three teams.
While itâs frustrating not to close out those wins, the Rockies are showing they can hang with teams better this season. Last year at this point, the Rockies had only had two one-run games and they went 1-1 in those contests. Most games werenât close (see the run differential above).
The Rockies defeated the Blue Jays 2-1 in Toronto and swept the Astros at home in their third and fourth series of the season. Thatâs two series wins in 2026 in April with 16 games left this month. Last season, the Rockies didnât get their first series win until June 4 when they swept the Marlins at home. They didnât get their second series win until June 18 when the Rockies swept the Nationals. That makes a difference in team morale.
While the offense has felt stuck sometimes, and they are striking out about the same amount (169 in 2025 vs. 162 in 2026), the Rockies have hit more homers through 16 games this season. Last year, the Rockies hit 10 homers. This year, they have hit 16. Through Sunday, Mickey Moniak is tied for second in the National League with five homers. Sure, itâs a seven-way tie, but that group also includes Shohei Ohtani.
After Sundayâs games, the Rockies 16 homer mark is tied for fourth best in the NL.
After 16 games in 2025, the Rockies ranked No. 29 in baseball with a 4.99 team ERA. While the team had four quality starts, often, the starters or the relievers werenât able to help keep Colorado in games. This season, the Rockies team ERA is 4.27, which is ranked No. 23 through Sundayâs games.
While itâs not a massive climb up the MLB rankings ladder, itâs significant. Leading the way for Colorado is Tomoyuki Sugano, who has a 2.15 ERA through three starts, spanning 16.2 innings with 12 strikeouts. Freeland is right behind him with a 2.3o ERA in 15.2 innings over two starts with 13 strikeouts.
The Rockies base-stealing numbers are up 212.5% between this year and last year. In 2025 after 16 games, the Rockies had stolen eight bases. That ranked No. 26 in MLB. This year, the Rockies have stolen 17 bases, which is tied for fourth most in MLB. The Rockies also have been caught eight times, which isnât great, but at least they are more aggressive.
Another bonus is that nine different Rockies have gotten in on the action. Jake McCarthy is leading the way with four stolen bases, while five more Rockies have two (Jordan Beck, Brenton Doyle, Tyler Freeman, Edouard Julien and Kyle Karros).
Itâs early. The Rockies are less than 10% through the 2026 season, and itâs too early to draw conclusions about how the new front office, coaching staff and players are performing.
However, I do remember how things felt in April and May in 2025.
This is better.
Anything could happen moving forward, but after six losing seasons and not much hope in sight, I am choosing to believe this 2026 squad is better and will be more fun to watch this season.
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The article highlights eight specific reasons that indicate the Rockies' improvement compared to their performance in 2025.
The Rockies recently swept the Houston Astros but were swept by the San Diego Padres in a four-game series.
The Rockies will face five remaining series in April against teams that finished above .500 last year, including a four-game matchup with the Dodgers.
The Colorado Rockies have played 16 games so far in the 2026 season.
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