On March 16th, 2022, 2016 National League MVP Kris Bryant signed a seven-year, 181-million-dollar deal with the Colorado Rockies. Since being a member of the Rockies, Bryant has severely struggled. This season, he was determined to make a major comeback. However, the 32-year-old’s play has avalanched down to mediocrity. He’s been having a horrific season thus far, to the point where many want the Rockies to consider moving on from the 2016 NL MVP. Colorado has been haunted by the Bryant signing since the 2022 season. It has gotten to the point where the Rockies are at rock bottom. At 29-55, they hold the worst record in the National League. Colorado has also become an unfavorable destination for free agents since the signing of Bryant. Unless, of course, the team provides an enormous pay-day.
Former MVP’s Signing Makes Colorado An Unfavorable Destination
Before the Rockies signed Bryant, they went 74-87 and missed the postseason. Since signing the former MVP, Colorado has won 68, 59, and 29 games through the following three seasons. During the 2023 campaign, he missed three months of the season, battling various injuries. The 32-year-old missed 202 games between the 2022 and 2023 seasons. So far, he’s appeared in 24 out of the Rockies 84 games. Colorado thought their future was all figured out after signing the 2016 MVP. Yet, this signing has turned into a major catastrophe and a financial liability for the Rockies. With all the injuries he’s racked up and his atrocious play at the plate, many have wondered what happened to what used to be one of the best players in the game. With the situation the Rockies have found themselves in, Colorado has certainly become an unfavorable destination.
In 86 at-bats this season, Bryant has recorded just 16 hits. He has two home runs and 10 runs batted in. Through his 86 at-bats, the former MVP has struck out 31 times. He’s currently slashing .186/.307/.279. It’s surreal to think that Bryant has more strikeouts than games played this season. In 2022, although he played in 42 games, he struck out 27 times. It’s safe to say Bryant is not the player he used to be. Unfortunately, the Rockies have hoped to propel themselves in the postseason conversation year in and year out. Now, due to the signing of Bryant, Colorado has become one of the laughingstocks of the Majors.
How Can The Rockies Make Themselves A Perfect Free Agent Destination?
While many games are still left to be played, the Colorado Rockies look done for and may finish with a new franchise low. No matter how bad it gets, they must let this season play out. First, no matter the cost, Colorado must move on from Bryant soon. Secondly, the younger prospects on the Rockies must prove to each valuable free agent that they can develop and make this team a contender within a few seasons. It’s vital this season for this Colorado franchise to learn from their growing pains. If they can prove to top-tier free agents that this team has a promising future, perhaps the Rockies won’t be identified as an unfavorable destination.
Main Photo Credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
