The Colorado Rockies are facing a challenging start to their season, reminiscent of climbing the steep inclines of the mountain range that shares their name. As of early May, the Rockies have a record of 6 wins and 28 losses, placing them 17.5 games behind the first-place team in the National League West Division. This deficit is the largest in Major League Baseball (MLB) and highlights the team’s struggle to play competitive baseball, a rarity in the modern era. Throughout the season, the Rockies have experienced significant losing streaks, including two separate eight-game losing streaks and a six-game slide. Despite securing back-to-back wins last week, marking their first winning streak of the season, the team quickly returned to their losing ways with three consecutive defeats in San Francisco. Comparatively, the Chicago White Sox, who are also struggling with a 10-25 record, are still performing better than the Rockies, trailing by only 12 games in the American League Central Division. The Rockies’ difficulties are apparent on both offense and defense. Their pitching staff ranks 28th in the MLB with an earned run average (ERA) of 5.38 and 29th in walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) at 1.56. Additionally, they have the fewest strikeouts in the league, with only 225. On the offensive side, the Rockies are last in MLB for on-base plus slugging percentage (.620), have the highest number of strikeouts (344), and have hit just 27 home runs, ranking fifth fewest in the league. This lack of offensive firepower is surprising, especially considering they play half their games at Coors Field, known for being one of the most hitter-friendly parks due to Denver's high altitude. Historically, few teams have performed as poorly as the Rockies this season. An NBC News analysis comparing Sports Reference standings data since 1901 suggests the Rockies are on track for one of the worst starts in 125 years. If the current trend continues, the team is projected to win its 10th game around Memorial Day weekend. Out of the next eight series, only one is against a team with a losing record. The 1916 Philadelphia Athletics hold the record for the worst single-season winning percentage in modern baseball history at 36-117 (.235), yet even they had a more competitive start with a 13-21 record over their first 34 games. Statistical analysis by Daniel J. Eck, a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign specializing in baseball, indicates that it is more challenging to perform this poorly in modern times. In the early 20th century, a smaller talent pool and the absence of an MLB draft made it easier for teams to struggle. Eck explains that the introduction of the amateur draft was intended to create parity within the league. Financially, the Rockies are not at the bottom. With a payroll of $125.5 million, they rank 20th out of 30 MLB teams, according to Spotrac’s salary database. Their highest-paid player, starting pitcher Kyle Freeland, is set to earn $16 million this season. In contrast, teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Miami Marlins have significantly lower payrolls. Despite their struggles, Rockies fans continue to support the team, with attendance figures remaining near average. Scott Powers, an assistant professor of sports analytics at Rice University, notes that Rockies fans tend to show up regardless of team performance. He suggests that if revenue is not heavily dependent on team success, there may be less incentive for ownership to invest in improving the team. There is also an element of bad luck affecting the Rockies’ season. Their run differential of -89, with 106 runs scored and 195 allowed, is the worst in MLB. However, the Pythagorean winning percentage—a formula estimating expected wins based on runs scored and allowed—suggests the team should have nearly eight wins out of their 34 games. Powers, a former assistant general manager for the Houston Astros, emphasizes that early-season win-loss records can be skewed by performance and luck. So, is there hope for the Rockies? According to Powers, it depends on expectations. If the goal is to dominate the division and secure a playoff bye, such hopes may be unrealistic. However, if the aim is to avoid a historically poor season akin to the White Sox’s previous year, there