The Colorado Rockies announced the hiring of Josh Byrnes as their new general manager under president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta, who was hired in November.
Byrnes filled a senior vice president of baseball operations role for the Los Angeles Dodgers since the 2015 season. In that position he supervised the club’s scouting and player development.
The move reunites the two as DePodesta and Byrnes worked together in the then-Cleveland Indians organization in the late 1990s. Although their tenures spanned during different eras, DePodesta and Byrnes both worked in the Dodgers’ front office as well.
“I’m incredibly excited to be able to bring Josh into our group,” DePodesta said in a statement. “Few executives in baseball share his combination of intellectual curiosity, breadth of experience, and on-field successes. We are extremely fortunate to add him, as he immediately strengthens our entire baseball operation.”
Byrnes replaces Bill Schmidt, who stepped down as Rockies general manager after the 2025 season ended. It was among the changes Colorado endured as a result of their third consecutive year with at least 100 losses.
The Rockies additionally are in the midst of a seven-year postseason drought. Bud Black was fired as manager in May, much to the chagrin of Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts.
Josh Byrnes returns to Rockies
Byrnes previously was the Rockies’ assistant general manager from 1999-2002 before taking on the same position with the Boston Red Sox during the 2003-2005 seasons. During that time the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series title.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Rockies organization, especially at such an exciting time for the future of the franchise,” Byrnes said. “Working alongside Paul again is an incredible opportunity, and I’m eager to join him and the rest of the group as we work to bring championship caliber baseball to the Rockies.”
Byrnes’ experience and career also includes previously serving as executive vice president/GM for the Arizona Diamondbacks (October 2005-July 2010) and San Diego Padres (October 2011-June 2014). Byrnes has nearly worked for every team in the National League West, needing just the San Francisco Giants to accomplish the feat.
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