The Athletics’ addition of former Colorado Rockies GM Bill Schmidt to its executive team isn’t just a “team-building” deal. It smells strategic—and could yield benefits much sooner than many realize.
Schmidt spent over two decades with the Rockies, much of that time scouting before becoming GM. This detail becomes particularly interesting when considering the A’s future: Las Vegas, 2028—the second-highest pitch in MLB, after Coors Field. Few in the industry understand pitcher assessment at high altitudes better than Schmidt.
If you want to see an immediate impact from this behind-the-scenes deal, nothing makes more sense than a trade between the A’s and the Rockies. Schmidt doesn’t just know who’s good—he knows who looks worse than they actually are because of Coors Field, and who can “bounce” off the pitch after leaving.
And if there’s one place Colorado is willing to sell cheaply, it’s the bullpen.
Zach Agnos: An Unrefined Clay
Zach Agnos, 25, is a pitcher whose stats are misleading at first glance. An ERA of 6.61 on his MLB debut, a FIP of 5.62, a strikeout percentage of only 13.8%, and a walk percentage of 12.3%—sounds quite daunting.
But a closer look reveals a different story. At Triple-A, Agnos had a 30.4% K rating and an 8.7% BB rating in his small form. His slider/sweeper produced a 44.7% whiff rate in MLB, a remarkably impressive figure for a young reliever. His 95.8 mph fastball isn’t elite, but Agnos’ biggest problem is his below-average extension, causing the ball to “arrive slower than it feels.”
This is the kind of profile where a small mechanical adjustment—or simply leaving Coors Field—can make all the difference. Sacramento is lower than Denver, and Vegas, while taller, has a different climate and mound construction. With Schmidt in the room, A’s had enough information to believe Agnos only needed one turnaround.
Jaden Hill: A Hidden Advancement
If Agnos was a gamble, Jaden Hill was the safer option. A second-round pick in the 2021 Draft, Hill had an ERA of 3.83 (FIP 4.17) in 40 MLB innings. Last season alone: ERA 3.38, FIP 3.44, strikeout rate skyrocketed from 13.3% to 24%, walk remained at 9.3%.
Hill throws powerfully (96.8 mph), and the key is how he distributes his pitch. From relying on the sinker, Hill has shifted to using all four pitches relatively evenly (22–28%), with sliders achieving a 45.1% whiff rate. This isn’t a random improvement — it’s a deliberate adjustment.
It’s worth noting: Hill isn’t on the Rockies’ projected 26-man roster according to Roster Resource. With a team not yet ready to compete, a bullpen arm like Hill could easily be traded—especially if the partner understands his true value.
Timing is everything.
The Rockies are far from contention. A’s are building the foundation for the present and future of Vegas. Bullpen is where Colorado has surplus players and Oakland lacks stability. Plus, Bill Schmidt knows exactly who to sell and who is undervalued.
This isn’t a blockbuster trade. But A’s history shows that small, well-timed trades are what change the course of events.
And if A’s truly capitalize on their ability to “read the Rockies,” don’t be surprised if a name nobody pays attention to today becomes a bullpen mainstay tomorrow.
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