Let’s talk about the Colorado Rockies, a team that’s been stuck in a rough patch for far too long. Right now, they’re at the bottom of the MLB, on pace to join the 2024 Chicago White Sox as one of the worst teams in baseball history. It’s been a tough stretch for Rockies fans, with six straight losing seasons since manager Bud Black led them to the playoffs in 2017 and 2018. Those postseason runs feel like a lifetime ago, and it’s clear this team needs a jolt—something to bring excitement back to Denver baseball. That spark could come from a familiar name: Rockies legend Todd Helton. He’s a Hall of Famer who spent all 17 years of his incredible career with the Rockies, and his return in a bigger role might be exactly what this franchise needs.
Helton isn’t just a nostalgic pick—he’s already involved with the team in a meaningful way. While he now lives in Knoxville, he’s been working as a special assistant to the Rockies’ general manager. Back in 2022, he spent time in Spring Training as a special instructor before getting that formal title, and now he’s a key part of evaluating young talent for the organization. He travels to the Rockies’ minor league affiliates, getting a firsthand look at the next generation of players and helping out with baseball operations wherever he’s needed. But it’s not just about filing reports for the GM—Helton’s building relationships with these young guys, teaching them, and mentoring them in a way that feels like the first steps toward something bigger. “I enjoy going around the Minor Leagues and seeing those guys, talking to them and helping them any way I can,” Helton said. He even hands out his phone number, encouraging players to reach out if they need to talk about their approach or anything else. That’s the kind of hands-on leadership that can leave a lasting impact.
Helton knows he can make a difference with these minor leaguers. “You can make an impression on a Minor Leaguer a little bit easier than you can a big Leaguer,” he explained. “So it’s good to see those guys and it’s good to see them progress through the Minor Leagues and eventually get here to the big leagues.” It’s clear he’s invested in the future of this organization, and it’s hard not to see him as a potential fit for the managerial role. Sure, Helton has said he’s not interested in managing right now—he likes his current gig. But with the Rockies struggling as they have for the past six years, it’s worth checking in to see if he’d be open to stepping up. A guy like Helton doesn’t just bring a big name to the table—he brings credibility, a deep connection to the fanbase, and a real understanding of what it means to play in Denver. That’s the kind of leadership that could get fans buzzing again.
Now, let’s talk about the current state of the Rockies’ leadership. Bud Black’s time as manager hasn’t delivered the results this team needs. Since taking over in 2017, he’s got a record of 541-675, a .445 winning percentage. Over his 18 seasons as a manager, his career record is .462—not exactly the kind of numbers that scream “long-term solution.” The Rockies haven’t shown any signs of improvement, either for the immediate future or down the road, and it’s been tough to watch for fans who are desperate for a turnaround. If things don’t change by the end of the 2025 season—or even sooner—it’s time to move on from Black and bring in someone new. But Black isn’t the only one on the hot seat. Pitching coach Darryl Scott and general manager Bill Schmidt are feeling the pressure too. Schmidt’s been the permanent GM since the end of the 2001 season, and the Rockies have had some of their worst seasons in franchise history under his watch. From scouting to pitching to managing, this organization has been one of the weakest in baseball, and something’s got to give.
The Rockies have had high draft picks in recent years, but those players haven’t translated into production or success at the major league level. It’s a frustrating cycle, and it raises the question: if the results aren’t there, why keep going down the same path? This team needs more than just a new manager—they need a complete overhaul, a fresh plan for the future. Bringing in Todd Helton could be the first step in making that happen. He’s a name that would get fans excited, but more importantly, he’s already shown he can connect with players and help them grow. Beyond Helton, the Rockies should also be looking at top GM candidates. If 2025 turns into another lost season by the All-Star break, they need to start early and beat other teams to the punch. A new GM, a new manager like Helton, and a renewed focus on developing talent could be the recipe for a Rockies revival. This franchise has been down for too long—it’s time to give the fans something to cheer for again, and Helton might just be the guy to lead the way.
