The **Colorado Rockies** signed right-hander **Michael Lorenzen** to a one-year, **$8 million** deal with a **$9 million player option** for 2027, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
What makes this move interesting is that Lorenzen will work as a starter in Colorado. Other clubs were reportedly eyeing him for relief work, so the chance to stay in a rotation probably helped seal the deal.
It’s not always easy for the Rockies to attract pitching at altitude. But they’re getting a **34-year-old** veteran who’s made **162 career starts** and knows how to eat innings.
Lorenzen posted a **4.64 ERA** in 27 games for Kansas City last season, with 26 of those coming as starts. That’s not great on the surface, but there’s more to it.
He actually showed improvement in key areas. His **8.1 strikeouts per nine** was solid, and he cut his walks to **2.5 per nine**. The problem? Home runs killed him.
Lorenzen gave up **1.6 homers per nine**, which was worse than all but one season in his career. That’ll torpedo your ERA pretty quickly, especially when you’re trying to work deep into games.
Now he’s heading to Coors Field, where home runs aren’t exactly rare. But if Lorenzen can get back closer to his career norms on the long ball while maintaining those strikeout and walk improvements, he could be a useful piece.
His **4.08 career ERA** shows he’s been a steady contributor over the years. Just two seasons ago, he posted a **3.31 ERA** split between Texas and Kansas City.
The Rockies need rotation depth, and Lorenzen gives them a veteran presence who can handle a starter’s workload. It’s not a flashy signing, but it’s the kind of practical move Colorado has to make to fill out their roster.
