Despite the Rockies’ confidence in Black, with GM Bill Schmidt stating, “We believe this team is heading in the right direction” and praising his manager’s “skills, experience, and knowledge” in a recent press release, they have only given him a one-year deal once again. Reporter Nick Groke described Black as “on a rolling year-to-year contract.” This unique situation may benefit both Black and Colorado, allowing him to walk away after each season.
In 2024, the Rockies finished with a 61-101 record, the worst in the National League and second-worst in MLB. While some young players showed promise, such as Brenton Doyle and Ezequiel Tovar, the team is still far from being a contender. With so many losing seasons in a row, some fans may want to see a change in the dugout, but it’s unclear if a new manager would make a difference in 2025.
Prior to joining the Rockies in 2017, Black managed the Padres from 2007-2015, with a record of 649-713 (.477) and just two winning seasons in nine years. He was named NL Manager of the Year in 2010. Before his managerial career, Black was a pitching coach for the Angels from 2000-2006, winning a World Series in 2002.
Cornelius and Pilittere both joined the Rockies coaching staff in 2022. Cornelius worked as a coach in the Marlins minor league system from 2003-2009 before moving up to the big league bullpen coach in 2010. Pilittere played in the Yankees’ minor league system before transitioning to a coaching role in 2012. After serving as the Yankees’ assistant hitting coach, he joined the Rockies in 2021.
