A timeline of events shows just how the Rockies 2020 season unraveled

To say the Rockies 2020 season was memorable is an understatement. From broken promises to being one of the best teams in Major League Baseball to heart-breaking performances, this season was one to remember so that history doesn’t repeat itself with this organization.

This is a timeline of what happened this season for the Rockies, so we can remember all that was a failed season.

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Jan. 20, 2020
Nolan Arenado spoke his peace about the offseason trade possibilities and his frustration with the front office about not making any moves during the offseason, and reasonably so. The future Hall of Famer signed a mega eight-year, $260 million contract and after one bad season, Arenado questioned the leadership and was puzzled by the future plan set in place by Jeff Bridich and the Monforts. Also Arenado texted the following to Denver7 news his thoughts about Bridich. “Jeff is very disrespectful. I never talk trash or anything. I play hard, keep my mouth shut. But I can only get crossed so many times.”

Jan. 22, 2020
Arenado wrote to Rockies fans the following: “There has been a lot of stuff going on that nobody knows about and I was reacting to what was said and was out of character for me because I’m very private with my life. The Rockies have been talking to my agent and me this offseason about a number of things that will remain between us. I will not speak on these things anymore. I’m getting ready for the upcoming season. I’m working hard to get better for my teammates and fans. – NA28”

Feb. 1, 2020
In a press conference, Rockies owner Dick Monfort predicted his team would win 94 games, which shook the world of baseball. It was like Babe Ruth calling his shot in the fifth inning of game three of the 1932 World Series. Owners of teams have to be optimistic, but that prediction after a disastrous 2019 season left fans holding Monfort to his word and questioned how it would all come together. Up to that point, general manager Jeff Bridich and Monfort had made zero transactions during the winter meetings. Monfort stuck to history repeating itself in the early 2000s, when the team had a down year after a postseason appearance and then bouncing back to a winning record.

Feb. 11, 2020
After weeks of speculation of trading Arenado, Bridich met with media and only had two words when asked about his feud with Arenado. “No comment.” Fans, teammates and the Monforts were most likely expecting more out of the GM that started this wildfire and the debates raged on whether or not Bridich or Arenado were in the right.

Feb. 16, 2020
Spring training is in the air, and the trade rumors are in full force. This is the last date for players to report to spring training and Arenado waited until this day to report. In Arenado’s contract, there is a no-trade clause, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be traded. The clause lays out if there is an agreed trade for Arenado, he has the right to not get traded for that team. That’s why the Cardinals, Yankees, and Dodgers were headlining as possible suitors for a trade.

Feb. 22, 2020
The Rockies are scheduled to play their first spring training game against the Diamondbacks, but got canceled due to inclement weather. If this isn’t foreshadowing, I’m not sure what else would.

Mar. 12, 2020
Spring training was raging on, but the Rockies matchup against the Brewers is canceled due to COVID-19. No one knew when or if baseball would return, as this was the start of a war between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association. The biggest points of questioning were bubble towns, frequent testing, prorated pay and how many games would be played along with how the schedule would look.

Jun. 30, 2020
Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond opts out of the 2020 season.

Jul. 17, 2020
The Rockies released Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee from the team. A step in the right direction after both relief pitchers had catastrophic 2019 campaigns.

Jul. 24, 2020
After months of negotiating, and preparing for a season to occur, the Rockies and the rest of Major League Baseball are playing games without fans. The Rockies played the Rangers to christen Globe Life Stadium in Texas. The Rockies lost 1-0.

Jul. 29, 2020
The Rockies are playing in Oakland against the Athletics and win 5-1, but what fans don’t know is after a diving play in the bottom of the second inning, Arenado hurt his shoulder but managed to play throughout the season without speculation of him having an injury.

Aug. 8, 2020
Another series win, as the Rockies beat the Mariners 5-0 and had a club record 11-3 start to the season. At the time, Rockies starting pitchers had a top-five ERA and a top-three bullpen ERA. The offense was clicking and pitching was excellent and the Rockies were the team to beat in the National League.

Aug. 11, 2020
Charlie Blackmon had a 14-game hitting streak. His .500+ batting average has experts speculating if he can have a season high .400 batting average and join Ted Williams in 1941 to be the only hitters with a .400+ batting average.

Aug. 24, 2020
The Rockies beat the Diamondbacks 3-2 and end their seven-game losing streak. Colorado lost four straight to the Astros and three straight to the Dodgers. At this time, the Rockies are 14-15 and fighting to get back to .500.

Aug. 30, 2020
With the trade deadline looming, Bridich makes a move for a bullpen arm and trades for Mychal Givens from the Orioles.

Aug. 31, 2020
Today is the trade deadline and the Rockies trade for outfielder Kevin Pillar from the Red Sox. Pillar is added as an outfielder for the injured David Dahl.

Sept. 1, 2020
At the turn of the final month of baseball, fans of the Rockies were expecting a late-season turnaround to make a push into the postseason. The Rockies hosted the Giants and Jon Gray was looking to get back his command. Long story short, he did not have his command and the Rockies were embarrassed with a final score of 23-5. Sitting at 17-19, the Rockies were still fueled by their hot start and still in contention for a playoff run.

Sept. 6, 2020
The Rockies win their first series in Los Angeles against the Dodgers since 2018. The Rockies won 7-6, and were perched in third place in the NL West and sitting in seventh in all of the NL, which would be good enough for a wild card spot in the expanded 2020 playoffs.

Sept. 21, 2020
Wade Davis is designated for assignment ending his time with Colorado, and Arenado is put on the 10-day injured list ensuring he would not play the rest of the season. Arenado’s injury occurred 54 days earlier in that series against the Athletics. From Pedro Gomes of ESPN, Arenado was quoted saying “I don’t know what’s going to happen next year.” Arenado said. “I think there will be some changes.”

Sept. 25, 2020
The Rockies lose the first game of a double-header against the Diamondbacks in Arizona and are eliminated from the 2020 playoffs.

Sept. 27, 2020
In their final game, the Rockies lose to the Diamondbacks 11-3, a fitting end for a chaotic season.

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The Rockies finished the season at 26-34, good enough for a fourth place finish in the NL West and 11th place in the whole National League. With that record, Colorado has the eighth overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.

This season had a lot of up and downs and came short to their main goal. Fans will get to watch a unique playoff this year with bubble towns in a very anticipated World Series run by 16 teams. The big question for the Monforts is how to move forward after a broken promise of not achieving their goals set in January.