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Rockies part ways with pitching coach Leichman after 1 season (source)

The Colorado Rockies have released pitching coach Alon Leichman after just one season, marking the end of an experimental approach that saw him implement an unconventional pitch-suggesting system from the dugout. Leichman, hired in December 2023 alongside two other pitching coaches as part of a broader staff overhaul under manager Warren Schaeffer, had previously used a similar strategy with the Miami Marlins in 2025.

However, the Rockies quickly shifted away from the method, with catchers Hunter Goodman and Brett Sullivan resuming traditional pitch-calling duties by midseason. The move came amid persistent struggles on the mound, as the Rockies’ staff posted a league-worst 5.59 ERA in 2026, with starters allowing a .303 batting average—the highest mark in baseball.

Despite signing veteran starters Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, and Tomoyuki Sugano to one-year deals, the rotation remained inconsistent, with Quintana missing months due to injury and Lorenzen designated for assignment in August. Team president Paul DePodesta later cited the pitch-suggesting experiment as a factor in the staff’s underperformance, noting that innovative strategies often come with trade-offs in execution and credibility.

Leichman’s tenure reflected broader challenges for the Rockies, whose pitching woes extended into 2026 despite efforts to bolster the rotation. The team’s 58-104 record and 6.28 starter ERA—far worse than any other club—highlighted the difficulties in revamping a struggling unit.

While Sugano emerged as the staff’s bright spot early in the year, the lack of sustained success led to the decision to part ways with Leichman, signaling a return to more traditional coaching approaches.

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