Rockies’ First Road Stretch Offers Reasons for Optimism in 2026

It is always easier to look down on a team that has a losing record, but the Colorado Rockies just showed everyone why they could have a massive turnaround in 2026.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jimmy Herget (44) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

With just a glance, it is really easy to be negative about the Colorado Rockies. They are coming off one of the worst seasons in MLB history, started 2026 on the wrong side of a sweep by the Miami Marlins, and are 2-4 on the year.

When phrased like that, one can jump down the rabbit hole that the Rockies are already starting to spiral. That is far from the case.

Colorado not only took down the Toronto Blue Jays once on their home field, but twice. The Rockies found their first win of the season and series of 2026. It wasn't until June last year that the Rockies won a series.

Rockies SPs vs Blue Jays this series:

Tomoyuki Sugano:
4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Ryan Feltner:
3 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Kyle Freeland:
5 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

The Jays are ice-cold at the plate.

— Frank Ammirante (@FAmmiranteTFJ) April 1, 2026

The monster of an offense that the Jays have, which contains multiple Silver Sluggers, was blown out 14-4 in the Rockies' first win, and held to one measly run in an extra-inning showdown in the final game of the series.

Throughout this road trip, their pitching staff wasn't just good "for the Rockies", they were good, period. If not for them, as well as a rising rookie at the plate, Colorado wouldn't have nearly as much confidence heading back to Denver.

Pitching Staff Performed Excellently

Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Rockies didn't get a win against the Marlins. Disappointing, yes. But, seeing the pitching staff that was incapable of keeping runs off the board in 2025, holding Miami to no more than four runs scored in a game is great.

Colorado's bullpen is a massive highlight to their roster, and that was on full display in the final game of the Jays series specificially the final game. In the 10th, the Blue Jays had the top of their order up vs. Jimmy Herget.

Herget popped out 2x Silver Slugger, George Springer, to start it. Then, he was getting worked by Nathan Lukes and ended up winning a 12-pitch at-bat with a groundout.

To end it, another Silver Slugger was up, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Vladdy was held without a hit all game, and he would be denied once again. Game over.

One Rookie Shines Offensively

TJ Rumfield has officially put everyone in baseball on notice. This was his first-time call-up to the majors, and he looks anything but inexperienced. Right now, he is by far outshining the Rockies' 2025 Silver Slugger Award winner, Hunter Goodman.

And Goodman hasn't been bad. He is hitting nearly .300 with an OPS over .800. That is a great start to the year, but Rumfield has been excellent.

Colorado Rockies designated hitter TJ Rumfield (7) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning at Rogers Centre | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The up-and-comer is leading the team in: batting average (.429), on-base percentage (.478), and slugging percentage (.619). His OPS is well over 1.000 as the lone starter to have shown that much production.

After travelling from Colorado to Florida and then up to Canada, it is finally time for the Rockies to return to Coors Field for their home opener. Their stretch doesn't get any easier as they will take on the Philadelphia Phillies starting April 3, then jump right into a series with the Houston Astros.