Rockies sign veteran RHP Michael Lorenzen

Field Level Media|published: Thu 15th January, 15:57 2026

Sep 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) pitches during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Colorado Rockies signed well-traveled right-hander Michael Lorenzen to a one-year contract on Thursday that includes a club option for 2027.

Lorenzen, who turned 34 on Jan. 4, is guaranteed $8 million in 2026 with the option year valued at $9 million, per an MLB.com report.

In a corresponding move, the Rockies designated right-hander Bradley Blalock for assignment.

Lorenzen was 7-11 last season with the Kansas City Royals with a 4.64 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 141 2/3 innings over 27 games (26 starts). He tied for the major league lead with 12 wild pitches.

The Cincinnati Reds selected Lorenzen in the first round (38th overall) in the 2013 MLB Draft out of Cal State Fullerton.

After seven seasons with the Reds (2015-21), Lorenzen has bounced around to the Los Angeles Angels (2022), Detroit Tigers (2023), Philadelphia Phillies (2023), Texas Rangers (2024) and Royals (2024-25).

An All-Star in 2023, Lorenzen has a career record of 54-55 with 15 saves, a 4.08 ERA and 826 strikeouts in 996 innings over 395 games (119 starts). He also is 0-1 with a 1.17 ERA in 7 2/3 innings over six playoff games, all as a reliever.

Blalock, 25, was 2-6 with a 9.36 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) last season. He has a career record of 3-9 with an 8.16 ERA in 21 games (18 starts) for the Milwaukee Brewers (2024) and Rockies (2024-25).

--Field Level Media

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