On March 18th, 2022, 2016 National League MVP Kris Bryant signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the Colorado Rockies. Over the course of the past three seasons with Colorado, Bryant has been hit with a serious case of the injury bug. He’s missed 238 games since the start of the 2022 regular season, 36 games so far this season. The four-time All-Star came back off the IL on May 21st after being out since April 13th, and the outlook has been bleak since his return. However, Bryant has been sidelined for the past two games due to back issues.
#Rockies 1B Kris Bryant, after making a twisting catch against the fence in Los Angeles, is out of the lineup today. Manager Bud Black said Bryant is “a little sore,” and is consulting with doctors and trainers.
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) June 3, 2024
At the start of Spring Training, the former MVP looked determined to overcome all the adversity he’s faced over the past few seasons. But since Opening Day, it has seemed like Bryant’s confidence at the plate has dropped off a cliff. It’s been a severely disappointing year for the 2016 NL MVP. The Rockies should seriously consider moving on from Bryant come the 2025 regular season.
Why the Rockies Need to Move on From Kris Bryant
After this season, Bryant would have four years and nearly $104 million left on his contract. Over the past three seasons, the 2016 National League MVP has put up a batting average of .245 with just 17 home runs. By the end of the season, Colorado may have to stand up for their mistake of signing Bryant, and perhaps move on from the four-time All-Star completely. He’s played in 24 games thus far. In 86 at-bats, the former MVP has struck out 31 times. He’s recorded 16 hits, two homers, and 10 runs batted in with a .186 batting average. It’s clear that the former first-round pick is having a horrific season.
How the Rockies Should Move On From Bryant
If the Rockies decide to move on from Bryant, they need to proceed wisely on how to get rid of him. Colorado could trade him and pay a significant portion of Bryant’s contract. However, the Rockies most likely wouldn’t pay most of Bryant’s salary just for him to not play with the organization. Another way Colorado could move on from Bryant is to trade him along with a solid prospect. One team could accept Bryant’s contract if another potential future All-Star is involved. A third way would be to designate the former MVP for assignment. While this would be a surprising move to some, the Rockies would only have to eat the league minimum. The final suggestion would be to just keep Bryant on the roster.
It may take time, but time is what the Rockies need. This franchise has plenty of young, promising talent that could use the major league experience. If Bryant could rebound from his back issues not as an everyday starter but as someone coming off the bench every other day, or as a pinch hitter, he could regain his confidence at the plate. The 2016 National League MVP was once feared at the plate. Now, he’s become one of the worst batters we’ve seen at the plate this regular season. Whatever the Rockies decide to do, their biggest focus for the rest of this season is to win more than their 2023 total of 59 games.
Photo Credit: © Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
