In a significant move, the Athletics organization has decided to bring on board Bill Schmidt, the former general manager of the Rockies, as a special assistant within their scouting division. This news was reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post. After spending over a quarter of a century with the Rockies, Schmidt's departure came at the conclusion of the last season, as the Rockies opted to promote Paul DePodesta and Josh Byrnes to lead their front office.
Bill Schmidt’s baseball career spans more than 25 years, beginning in scouting roles for various teams during the 1990s before he joined Colorado at the start of the 2000s. By 2007, he had climbed the ranks to become the vice president of scouting, a position from which he directed the team’s amateur drafts for two decades. His tenure as interim general manager commenced in May 2021 after the Rockies removed Jeff Bridich from his position, and by the end of that same year, he was officially appointed as the general manager.
At 66 years old, Schmidt oversaw baseball operations for a total of four seasons. Unfortunately, this period was marked by disappointing results, with the Rockies finishing last in the National League West each year. In his first full season, the team recorded a lackluster 68-94 record, which was followed by three consecutive seasons where they suffered 100 losses, culminating in a dismal 43-119 performance last year—one of the worst seasons in MLB history. Over these four years, the Rockies posted an alarming win percentage of only 35.6%, the lowest in Major League Baseball.
While Schmidt's time as GM may not be remembered fondly due to these challenging outcomes, it’s important to recognize the extensive scouting expertise he brings to his new role. The Rockies have faced difficulties in developing talent through their farm system and have struggled with their recent draft picks. A bright spot was the selection of All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, yet the organization's top draft picks since then have largely underperformed, particularly since selecting pitcher Kyle Freeland eighth overall in 2014.
Subsequent first-round selections, including Brendan Rodgers, Mike Nikorak, Riley Pint, Ryan Rolison, Michael Toglia, Zac Veen, and Benny Montgomery, have not panned out as anticipated, leading many to view these as missed opportunities. It remains unclear how the recent draftees from 2022 to 2025—Gabriel Hughes, Chase Dollander, Charlie Condon, and Ethan Holliday—will develop, although early signs suggest a downward trend since their draft days.
Reflecting on Schmidt’s earlier years with the Rockies, it’s noteworthy that the team enjoyed a stronger track record in drafting. Significant players like Troy Tulowitzki, Charlie Blackmon, and Nolan Arenado were acquired between 2005 and 2009, transforming the franchise's fortunes. The latter two were particularly successful finds in the second rounds of their respective drafts in 2008 and 2009. Moreover, Ryan McMahon emerged as another valuable second-round pick a few years later. The Rockies’ first-round selections from 2011 to 2014—Tyler Anderson, David Dahl, Jon Gray, and Freeland—have all experienced varying levels of success in the major leagues.
What's your take on the Athletics hiring Schmidt? Do you think his scouting background will make a significant difference in their development strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments!
