Bud Black firing, explained: Rockies axe manager after historically dreadful start to season
The Colorado Rockies have dismissed manager Bud Black following an abysmal 7-33 start to the 2025 season, marking the worst beginning in National League history. Black served as the Rockies' manager since 2017, leading the team to the playoffs in his initial two seasons, but has struggled to achieve similar success thereafter. The decision to fire Black came after a crushing 21-0 loss to the San Diego Padres and a staggering -134 run differential over 39 games, projecting a historically poor season for Colorado. Warren Schaeffer, previously the third base coach, has been appointed as the interim manager. Schaeffer brings extensive experience from his decade-long tenure in the Rockies' Minor League system, including managing the Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque during 2021 and 2022.
Context:
The Colorado Rockies have dismissed manager Bud Black following an abysmal 7-33 start to the 2025 season, marking the worst beginning in National League history. Black served as the Rockies' manager since 2017, leading the team to the playoffs in his initial two seasons, but has struggled to achieve similar success thereafter. The decision to fire Black came after a crushing 21-0 loss to the San Diego Padres and a staggering -134 run differential over 39 games, projecting a historically poor season for Colorado. Warren Schaeffer, previously the third base coach, has been appointed as the interim manager. Schaeffer brings extensive experience from his decade-long tenure in the Rockies' Minor League system, including managing the Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque during 2021 and 2022.
Dive Deeper:
Bud Black was fired as the manager of the Colorado Rockies after the team started the 2025 season with a 7-33 record, setting a new low in National League history. This dismal start places the Rockies on track to becoming the worst team in MLB history, surpassing the 2024 Chicago White Sox's poor start of 11-28.
Black's firing followed a particularly devastating 21-0 defeat to the San Diego Padres, highlighting the Rockies' struggles this season. The team has a -134 run differential through 39 games, which could lead to a historically low -557 by season's end, setting a new record for the modern era.
Bud Black has been with the Rockies since 2017, guiding them to playoff appearances in his first two seasons. However, the team has failed to reach the postseason since those early successes, contributing to the decision to dismiss him.
Warren Schaeffer, who has been the Rockies' third base and infield coach since 2023, will step in as the interim manager. Schaeffer's background includes a decade of coaching and managing in the Rockies' Minor League system, offering him significant experience for his new role.
Schaeffer's previous managerial experience includes leading the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He began his coaching career in 2013 after playing six seasons within the Rockies' Minor League system, showcasing a deep familiarity with the organization.
The Rockies have fired manager Bud Black after a 7-33 start to the 2025 season, the team announced Sunday.
Black was in his ninth year as the Rockies' skipper and has overseen the worst start to a season in National League history. Colorado is on pace to be the worst team in MLB history. By comparison, the historically bad 2024 Chicago White Sox started last season 11-28.
The firing comes after the Rockies lost 21-0 at home to the San Diego Padres Saturday night. With a run differential of -134 through 39 games, Colorado is on pace for a minus-557 run differential for the season, which would be the worst in the modern era.
Here's what to know about Bud Black's firing.
Bud Black firing, explained
The Rockies fired Black on Sunday after a 7-33 start to the season. Black has been at the helm in Colorado since 2017 and made the playoffs in his first two seasons, but the Rockies have not returned to October since.The Colorado Rockies fired manager Bud Black after a brutal 7-33 start. Black was in his ninth year as Rockies manager and had a career record with Colorado of 544-690.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 11, 2025 The Rockies released a statement on Sunday announcing Black has been relieved of his duties. Third base coach Warren Schaeffer has been named interim manager.
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) May 11, 2025 SN's MLB HQ: Live MLB scores | Updated MLB standings | Full MLB schedule
Who is Warren Schaeffer?
Schaeffer is the Rockies third base coach and will be taking over for Black as the interim manager.Schaeffer, 40, has been the club’s third base and infield coach since the 2023 season. Prior to joining the Major League club, he spent 10 seasons as a coach and manager in the Rockies Minor League system.
Schaeffer most recently managed the Rockies Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque in 2021 and 2022. He began his coaching career in 2013 after six seasons as a player in the Rockies Minor League system.