DENVER — Jeff Bridich is stepping down as general manager of the Colorado Rockies, ending a tumultuous tenure that included two playoff appearances and a falling out with Nolan Arenado that ultimately led to the star third baseman’s offseason trade.
The Rockies announced Monday that the decision was a mutual agreement with Bridich, who was in his seventh season as GM. The team will appoint an interim general manager for the rest of the season before launching a search following the postseason.
The Harvard-educated Bridich joined the organization in 2004 and rose through the ranks. He was named senior director of baseball operations in ‘06 and later held the position of senior director of player development. He was promoted to general manager in October 2014.
Under Bridich, the club made the playoffs as a wild card in 2017 and ‘18. The team locked up Arenado — the face of the franchise — with a $260 million, eight-year deal in February 2019. But it didn’t take long for things to turn sour with Bridich and the front office. Arenado wasn’t pleased with the direction of a team that missed the postseason in ‘19 and again last season.
Arenado was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals on Feb. 1 for Austin Gomber and four minor leaguers in a deal that was criticized across the baseball community. As part of the trade, the Rockies agreed to pay St. Louis $51 million of the $199 million remaining on Arenado’s contract at the time. Arenado’s contract was amended after he was traded.
Another big decision for Colorado is looming with All-Star shortstop Trevor Story, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. He appears in line for a sizeable payday, too, after San Diego and shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. finalized a $340 million, 14-year contract. Colorado right-hander Jon Gray also will be a free agent.
On Monday, the Rockies appointed Greg Feasel as the team president in addition to his role of being in charge of the club’s business operations. His duties include overseeing the organization’s involvement in the All-Star Game set for July after it was recently moved to Coors Field.
Feasel is in his 26th season with the team. He’s been the executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2010.
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