The Rockies have agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract with veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen, a major league source confirmed Wednesday night. The club has not announced the free-agent deal, which includes a $9 million club option for 2027. It’s the Rockies’ first major free-agent acqu isition since Paul DePodesta became the president of baseball operations in early November. ESPN first reported the agreement. Lorenzen, 34, has pitched 11 seasons in the majors, both as a starter and a reliever. He’s pitched in 395 games, making 119 starts. However, the Rockies need depth in their rotation, so Lorenzen will compete for a starting job in 2026. Lorenzen threw a no-hitter for the Phillies against the Nationals on August 9, 2023, walking four and striking out five. Related Articles Rockies add pitching depth with right-hander Keegan Thompson Paul DePodesta counting on new staffers to improve Rockies’ terrible starting pitching Rockies prospect forecast: Five players who raised stock in 2025, five players with most to prove in 2026 Rockies returning coaches Ron Gideon, Andy Gonzalez and Jordan Pacheco for 2026 season Rockies prospect Braylen Wimmer, back in the cage after brain surgery, eyes continued ascent in 2026 Lorenzen’s last two seasons have been a mixed bag. In 2024, after being traded to Kansas City from Texas, he appeared in seven games (six starts) and posted a 1.57 ERA over 28 innings after the trade deadline. His 2025 season wasn’t nearly as good. He appeared in 27 games, making 26 starts over 141 2/3 innings, putting up a 4.64 ERA.  Although he struck out a career-best 8.1 batters per nine innings, he also allowed 25 home runs. Lorenzen was selected by Cincinnati in the first round of the 2013 draft out of Cal State Fullerton. Since pitching his first seven seasons for the Reds, Lorenzen has become a journeyman, becoming a free agent for five straight offseasons and signing short-term deals with the Angels, Tigers, Phillies, Rangers and Royals. The 6-foot-3, right-hander has a versatile pitching arsenal. His four-seam fastball averages about 94 MPH. He also throws a sinker, changeup, and four breaking pitches (slider, curveball, cutter, sweeper, according to Baseball Savant). Want more Rockies news? Sign up for the Rockies Insider to get all our MLB analysis. ...read more read less