Why Josh Byrnes and Paul DePodesta Could Shape the Rockies’ Future.

The Colorado Rockies believe they may have found the leadership needed to change the direction of the franchise. General manager Josh Byrnes, alongside president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta, represents a front-office pairing with the experience and vision to potentially guide the Rockies toward sustained success. Byrnes brings a respected résumé that has inspired optimism among Rockies fans. Having worked in successful organizations across Major League Baseball, he understands what it takes to build a winning culture. Together, Byrnes and DePodesta have an opportunity to establish themselves as the most influential executive duo in franchise history if their decisions from 2026 through 2030 translate into on-field results. To earn that distinction, they would need to surpass the legacy of Bob Gebhard, the Rockies’ first general manager. Gebhard played a pivotal role in assembling the iconic “Blake Street Bombers”—including Dante Bichette, Andrés Galarraga, Larry Walker, and Vinny Castilla—who led Colorado to its first postseason appearance in 1995. He was also instrumental in developing Todd Helton, one of the most celebrated players in team history. At 55 years old, Byrnes has benefited from learning under some of baseball’s most accomplished executives.

He and DePodesta began their careers together with the Cleveland Indians under general manager John Hart, gaining firsthand experience as the team rose to prominence during the 1990s. Those Indians squads consistently competed for division titles and reached the World Series twice. Byrnes later joined Theo Epstein and the Boston Red Sox, contributing to the franchise’s historic 2004 championship. He went on to add three more World Series titles to his résumé while serving as a senior vice president of baseball operations with the Los Angeles Dodgers. DePodesta, meanwhile, built his reputation with the Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, and Dodgers, becoming known for his analytical approach to roster construction. Now reunited in Colorado, Byrnes and DePodesta are tasked with transforming a franchise that has struggled to achieve consistent success for more than three decades. This marks Byrnes’s second tenure with the Rockies, and he inherits a promising core of young talent that could redefine the team’s trajectory. The Rockies’ long-term hopes rest on developing and surrounding players such as Ethan Holliday, Charlie Condon, Ezequiel Tovar, Hunter Goodman, Chase Dollander, and Brody Brecht. Through disciplined drafting, effective scouting, and strategic trades, Byrnes and DePodesta aim to build a sustainable contender.

While the challenge is significant, the potential is undeniable. If this front-office tandem can apply lessons learned from past championship organizations, the Rockies may finally emerge as the powerhouse their fans have long awaited.