Why Rockies are no longer 'punching bag' for Dodgers, Padres in NL West

Why Rockies are no longer 'punching bag' for Dodgers, Padres in NL West originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Colorado Rockies may be in last place in the NL West, but they aren't the same miserable team as last year.

The vibes are different in Paul DePodesta's first year as president of baseball operations. Today is the last day of April, and the Rockies have 14 wins. They didn't win their 14th game of the season until June 15 last season.

"This matters to the NL West. The Rockies were the division's punching bag in 2025 to the tune of a 12-40 record," Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer wrote Thursday. "Now, they're in a position to punch back a little."

Despite surpassing early expectations, it's not likely the Rockies will be in the hunt for the postseason. Promising players like catcher Hunter Goodman and right-hander Chase Dollander do make them an intriguing watch, however.

More: 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals

Colorado swept the New York Mets this past weekend, allowing just one combined run in Sunday's doubleheader.

Patience will be necessary for an organization that has lost over 100 games in each of the past three seasons. They have the ninth youngest roster in the Majors, with an average age of 28.3, according to ESPN.

But these are not the same Rockies that shook hands just 43 times in 2025. Teams in the NL West should be prepared to compete.

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