The Colorado Rockies have officially announced the acquisition of seasoned right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen, securing him on a one-year agreement that includes a team option for the 2027 season. This strategic move aims to fortify the team's pitching staff with an experienced arm. Lorenzen, who recently celebrated his 34th birthday, is guaranteed an $8 million salary for the 2026 season, with the potential to earn an additional $9 million if the club exercises its option for 2027, as reported by MLB.com. Concurrently, the organization has made a roster adjustment, designating right-hander Bradley Blalock for assignment to accommodate Lorenzen's arrival.
Lorenzen's journey in Major League Baseball has seen him traverse several teams since his debut. Last season, while pitching for the Kansas City Royals, he recorded a 7-11 win-loss record, posting an earned run average (ERA) of 4.64. Over 27 appearances, including 26 starts, he accumulated 127 strikeouts in 141 and two-thirds innings. Notably, he shared the league lead in wild pitches with 12. His career began after being drafted in the first round, 38th overall, by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2013 MLB Draft, following his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton.
After spending seven seasons with the Cincinnati Reds from 2015 to 2021, Lorenzen embarked on a nomadic path, making stops with the Los Angeles Angels in 2022, followed by stints with the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies in 2023. He then joined the Texas Rangers and returned to the Royals for the 2024-2025 seasons before signing with the Rockies. An All-Star selection in 2023, his career statistics reflect a 54-55 record, 15 saves, a 4.08 ERA, and 826 strikeouts across 996 innings in 395 games, 119 of which were starts. His postseason experience includes a 0-1 record with a stellar 1.17 ERA over seven and two-thirds innings in six relief appearances.
In contrast, Bradley Blalock, at 25 years old, had a challenging 2025 season. He registered a 2-6 record with a 9.36 ERA over 14 games, making 12 starts. His overall career record stands at 3-9 with an 8.16 ERA across 21 games (18 starts) with both the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024 and the Colorado Rockies from 2024-2025.
The Colorado Rockies' latest signing, Michael Lorenzen, marks a significant addition to their roster. This move brings a seasoned pitcher with a diverse background and a history of contributions to multiple MLB franchises. The team hopes Lorenzen's experience and track record will provide stability and depth to their pitching rotation for the upcoming seasons.