Rockies Shockingly Show Massive Improvement With Pitching Staff in 2026

It is early on into the year, but any win that the Rockies can take is something that the organization, and its fans, have to focus on. Right now there are highlights with both their pitchers and their bats.

Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland (21) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

It is hard to imagine that the 119-loss Colorado Rockies from 2025 just took down the Toronto Blue Jays in their last series, in Canada, no less.

Last season, it was their pitching staff that easily was the worst aspect of their roster, as they found themselves last in baseball in nearly every stat category. But that isn't the case right now.

The staff was swept by the Miami Marlins to start the year, but boy, were they close in every game, and if someone hasn't been following the Marlins right now, that is the all-around best offense in either the National or American Leagues.

So, the fact that the Marlins scored no more than four runs in any of the three games played, and only beat the Rockies by one measly run in each, is a huge win.

⚖️ Kyle Freeland en Toronto:

- 5.0 IP
- 5 H
- 1 ER
- 1 BB
- 6 K
- ND pic.twitter.com/zo7SE3LPfa

— 👑 Los Reyes del Jonrón ⚾️ (@reyesdeljonron) April 2, 2026

Then, Colorado had to go into the belly of the beast that is Rogers Centre, a field in 2025 that other teams feared because the Jays were nearly unbeatable. However, the Rockies proved that the Blue Jays are not invincible there.

The Rockies demolished the reserve world champs 14-5 in the first game and held them to one run in an extra-inning showdown to take the series. In only the first week of the season, Colorado didn't find a series win until June in 2025.

Rockies Pitching Leaders

Colorado Rockies pitcher Jimmy Herget (44) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

At this point, there are two relievers that have yet to allow a run: Jimmy Herget and Brennan Bernardino. The pair has each pitched three innings and hasn't even allowed a walk.

Herget was more than impressive as he was credited with a save when he held the top of the order for the Jays in the 10th inning. Three players up, three players down.

Kyle Freeland is the only starter who has made two yet this year, but he has emerged as their No.1, easily. He is posting a 2.89 ERA with eight strikeouts, six of which came against Toronto. Freeland had a 7.40 ERA early on in 2025.

Colorado Rockies pitcher Brennan Bernardino (83) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Team Highlights in Pitching Categories

• 3.66 ERA- 9th
• Runs- 6th
• Home Runs- 10th

There was never a time that the Rockies' pitching staff sat in the top 1/3 of baseball in stats. Yes, they are still allowing too many hits, but as long as the defense keeps them from crossing home plate, the team has a chance to win games.

The Rockies' stretch is not getting any easier. They are finally back home, but have to take on the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros. The Astros lead baseball in runs scored, but don't count out Colorado in this stretch.

Clearly, the team has something to prove and right now they are living up to the challenge.