The Colorado Rockies' 2025 season was a disaster, but catcher Hunter Goodman is determined to turn things around. With a league-worst record and a staggering run differential, the team is ready for a rebuild, and Goodman is leading the charge.
'We can't just be happy to be here', says the 23-year-old star, reflecting on the Rockies' 2025 struggles. As the team's standout player, Goodman's words carry weight. He believes the squad's mindset needs a complete overhaul for the 2026 season.
But here's the catch: How do you transform a losing culture? Goodman suggests it starts with individual confidence. He recalls his early days in the league, when he was simply happy to be on the field. But to succeed, players must believe they are the best. 'You've got to walk on the field and be like, we're the best team, I'm the best player,' he asserts, emphasizing the power of self-belief.
The Rockies' management seems to agree. Paul DePodesta, the new president of baseball operations, acknowledges the need for higher standards and expectations. 'We can't stand to lose,' he declares, setting the tone for the upcoming season. Manager Warren Schaeffer adds that the goal is to build a sustainable winning culture in Denver, starting with a new mindset and daily practice.
The fans are also feeling the shift. Season-ticket holder Ward Frasier commends the front office's changes, which have renewed hope after three consecutive 100-loss seasons. Veteran pitcher Kyle Freeland, a former playoff contender, echoes the need for transformation, citing the turnover in coaching staff as a necessary step.
Goodman, however, offers a unique perspective. He believes the team must remember the pain of 2025. 'I don't want to forget about it,' he says, using the past as fuel. As the Rockies' All-Star, he knows he must improve, especially in his swing decisions and catching comfort.
As the team prepares for spring training, the Rockies' rebuild is a hot topic. Will Goodman's mentality shift be the catalyst for success? Can the franchise truly leave its losing ways behind? And what does this mean for the future of players like Freeland? The answers to these questions will shape the Rockies' 2026 season and beyond, leaving fans and critics alike eagerly awaiting the outcome.
