Where were you on Aug. 9, 2023? Most Philadelphia Phillies fans may not remember the exact date, but they will remember watching Michael Lorenzen throw his unexpected no-hitter in his home debut. Now, after time has slightly dulled those memories, the former Phillies hurler has found a new home with the Colorado Rockies.
As reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan on Wednesday evening, the 34-year-old Lorenzen signed a one-year, $8 million contract with a $9 million club option for 2027. The right-hander is the first free agent starter to sign in Colorado who hadn't previously played there since Chad Kuhl in 2022, according to MLB.com's Thomas Harding.
There's a reason, or a few reasons, that the Rockies have had trouble attracting free agent pitchers.
Phillies fans will always remember Michael Lorenzen's no-hitter and wish him all the luck after signing with the Rockies
The good news for Lorenzen is that he's going to make a lot of money (a surprising amount) and is guaranteed a job in the Rockies' starting rotation. The bad news for Lorenzen is that he's guaranteed a job in the Rockies' starting rotation. Coors Field is well-known as the best ballpark for hitters and, obviously, the worst for pitchers.
He's also joining a Rockies club that finished dead last in the majors last season with a historically bad 43-119 record. With the thin mountain air, a questionable roster, and playing in the tough NL West division, it would be surprising to see Lorenzen improve on his 2025 results this upcoming season.
After holding out until late in spring training in 2024 before signing a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, he was traded to the Kansas City Royals at that year's deadline. He impressed in his brief stint with Kansas City to close out 2024 and then spent 2025 with the Royals. He pitched to a 7-11 record in 27 games (26 starts) with a 4.64 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts in 141 2/3 innings in 2025.
Regardless of where the rest of his career takes him, Phillies fans will always hold Lorenzen's no-hitter as a cherished memory from the 2023 season. After being acquired from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline, his first start came in Miami. He went eight innings in that one.
Then, in his first start at Citizens Bank Park, Lorenzen tossed 124 pitches to no-hit the Washington Nationals. He closed out the emotional 7-0 win with a pop-up to shallow center field, putting a stamp on the 14th no-hitter in Phillies history.
Welcome to Citizens Bank Park, Michael Lorenzen pic.twitter.com/4PpNBAiXky
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 10, 2023
Unfortunately for Lorenzen and the Phillies it was all downhill from there. After his first two stellar outings, he made nine more appearances (five starts) down the stretch, imploding with an 8.01 ERA with 18 strikeouts and 15 walks in 30 1/3 innings.
At least he was able to contribute during the 2023 playoff run, appearing in two games and throwing 2 2/3 scoreless innings, pitching around two hits and two walks with one strikeout.
So, while landing in Colorado might not be the best move career-wise, Lorenzen secured a nice payday for himself as he nears the end of his playing days and we wish him nothing but the best with the Rockies.