The Rockies posting a third consecutive 100-loss season was certainly a possibility heading into 2025. However, no one believed this Rockies squad would become one of the worst teams in Major League Baseball history.

A 5-25 record through their first 30 games officially put the Rockies on notice for what could become a historically bad season. A 7-33 record on May 11 cost manager Bud Black his job and put the Rockies on a different trajectory under interim manager Warren Schaeffer.

While the Rockies have avoided accumulating the most losses in modern MLB history (a record held by the Chicago White Sox with 121 losses in 2024), this year’s roster will go down in franchise history as not only the one that lost the most games, but also one of the ineptest of all baseball teams.

The 2025 Rockies were a fascinating study in how to lose often but not piece together an incredibly long losing streak. Colorado had five different eight-game losing streaks during the season but never lost nine in a row. Compare that to the 2024 White Sox, which had a 21-game and 14-game losing streak during their record-setting campaign, and it’s apparent that futility can be reached in various ways.

Is there hope for the Rockies ahead? It depends on if you look at the glass as half-full or half-empty.

If you’re one who chooses the positive side, lessons from the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles each hold hope. The 2019 Tigers lost 114 games while the 2018 Orioles dropped 115 games, yet each franchise rebounded through smart drafting and prudent free agent signings, and both were participants in the 2024 postseason.

One of those smart draft moves was the Orioles taking Jackson Holliday first overall in the 2022 draft, as he is now a regular in the Baltimore lineup. His brother, Ethan, was just selected fourth overall by the Rockies in the 2025 draft. Could another Holliday be one of the catalysts to turn around another franchise?

Those on the negative side of things would be quick to scoff at that idea. Ethan Holliday may well evolve into a tremendous player for the Rockies, but what else is there in Colorado’s farm system (especially on the pitching side) that shows the Rockies have been growing the next generation of talent that can be the foundation for a turnaround?

It’s possible that second-ranked prospect Charlie Condon may be Colorado’s 2026 Opening Day first baseman, and third-ranked prospect Cole Carrigg may become a difference-maker in the outfield, but is there enough talent elsewhere?

That’s where the key free agent signings will have to produce dividends in Colorado. Kris Bryant’s seven-year, $182 million contract looms like an albatross over the franchise, and there will need to be some form of closure with that this offseason (is Bryant really coming back in 2026, or will his back issues force him into retirement?) for the Rockies to move forward in terms of roster spots and potential payroll flexibility as well.

When he was first signed before the 2022 season, Bryant was supposed to be the answer for a lineup that needed some offensive punch. Now the Rockies are going to have to look elsewhere this offseason for that as the draft and develop franchise could certainly use a veteran bat with some pop who could be another power threat in the lineup along with All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman.

For the Rockies to follow in the footsteps of the Tigers and Orioles, the franchise must realize that hitting rock bottom this season can be a springboard to becoming relevant again. However, to do that, the organization’s leadership must be committed to smart free agent spending and improved minor-league development, especially on the pitching side.

If those changes aren’t made and history isn’t used as a teaching tool, Colorado’s place at the bottom of the stacked National League West could become all too common.

Most losses in MLB history

2024 Chicago White Sox — 121 losses

1962 New York Mets — 120 losses

2003 Detroit Tigers — 119 losses

2025 Colorado Rockies — 118 losses (through Saturday, September 27)

1916 Philadelphia A’s — 117 losses

2018 Baltimore Orioles — 115 losses

1935 Boston Braves — 115 losses

2019 Detroit Tigers — 114 losses

1904 Washington Senators — 113 losses

2023 Oakland Athletics — 112 losses

1965 New York Mets — 112 losses

1952 Pittsburgh Pirates — 112 losses