Three seasons into his seven year, $182 million deal with the Colorado Rockies, there’s no doubt that Kris Bryant’s deal back in March of 2022 is the worst contract formed in baseball history. His 2024 campaign has been horrific. Just a few days ago, he hit the injury list for the third time this season. Out of 122 games, Bryant has appeared in 37 thus far. In his three seasons with Colorado, the former National League MVP has played in 159 games. It’s inevitable for Colorado to move on from Bryant and understandably so. By now, he is just wasting a roster spot and cap space. Many hoped for Bryant to have a bounce-back season. However, it’s been the complete opposite. Before the start of next season, Bryant should be in an entirely different uniform.
Kris Bryant’s Dismal Tenure with Colorado
When Bryant signed with the Rockies, there was a lot of excitement and much to speculate on. Yet since those moments only a few years ago Bryant has single-handedly made Colorado an unfavorable destination for free agents and trade suitors. He has suffered numerous injuries since his time as a member of the Rockies. The former MVP missed two months of action during the 2022 season with a back injury. Then, in the last two months of that season, he dealt with plantar fasciitis a bruised bone on his right foot. The next season he suffered heel issues and a broken finger. This season, Bryant has dealt with a low back strain, a lower rib contusion, and finally, more back strains.
The Rockies are 44-78 and are 15 wins away from tying their 2023 record in wins which was a franchise low. It has been a rough couple of years for this organization and that’s largely in part to originally signing Bryant. They have some pieces that can turn the team’s woes around next season, but the Rockies may be stuck in the gutter for the next few seasons. If Bryant never mounted all these injuries and performed at his once highest level, the possibilities for this ball club could have been endless. It’s a shame how one move has turned the tide of this organization, nonetheless, this may be for the better. That all depends if the Rockies will get any compensation from any team for Bryant once the season ends.
Former MVP’s Regular Season Stats
In 133 at-bats, he has batted .218/.323/.401 with two home runs and 15 RBI in 37 games this season. Since returning from his last stint on the IL on July 23, Bryant has slashed .277/.352/.340 with five RBI across 53 plate appearances. At this point, the Rockies should shut down Bryant for the rest of the season, and let him fully heal himself while Colorado finds a possible trade suitor. Any team might be cautious of that idea. Still, they would have the benefit of knowing they could have a revitalized Bryant, and Colorado could receive valuable prospects in the process. Bryant has been nowhere near the player he once was with the Chicago Cubs, especially if he has been healthy.
Main Photo: © David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports
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