Kris Bryant, the Colorado Rockies‘ powerful hitter, continues to struggle with injuries as he has once again been placed on the 60-day injured list just before the start of Spring Training. Plagued by a persistent lower-back condition that has troubled him for years, Bryant is expected to miss at least the first 57 games of the season, significantly limiting his availability. This latest setback comes after Bryant signed a record-breaking seven-year, $182 million contract with the Rockies before the 2022 season, but has only managed to appear in 170 games since then.
Throughout his limited time on the field, Bryant has posted a .244 batting average, with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs. His continual absence has led to increasing frustration among fans and raised concerns about the long-term viability of his contract and his contributions to the team.
Fans Draw Comparisons and Express Disappointment Over Bryant’s Contract
Many Rockies supporters have voiced their disappointment, drawing parallels between Bryant’s injury-plagued tenure and other troubled contracts around Major League Baseball. Some fans liken Bryant’s situation to that of Anthony Rendon, the Los Angeles Angels’ third baseman, who has also struggled to meet expectations after signing a lucrative multi-year deal.
“I’m afraid it’s another Anthony Rendon situation,”
one fan remarked.
“Up there with the Rendon contract. Absolute atrocity,”
another added.
“What was the reasoning behind the contract again? The old owners signed him then sold it and the new owners don’t want to spend money?”
a fan questioned.
“Whose contract was the worst…Bryant, Rendon, or Chris Davis???”
another asked.
“Kris Bryant turned into a massive bust since that big free-agent deal,”
one wrote.
“Since signing his 7yr/$182M with Rockies (2022-2025): Just 170 games (avg ~42.5/yr), .244/.324/.370, 17 HR, -1.6 WAR. In 2025 alone: 11 games, .154 AVG, 0 HR, back issues landing him on IL again. Still $81M owed through 2028.”
“Kris Bryant still plays baseball? Back in his usual spot. What a fleece job by him with that contract,”
another fan commented.
“Unless if something out of nowhere happens, this will go down as one of the worst contracts on this scale in baseball history,”
a fan concluded.
In response to his injury status, the Rockies have made roster adjustments, moving Bryant off the 40-man active roster to make room for veteran right-handed pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who is expected to strengthen the pitching rotation.
Understanding Bryant’s Back Condition and Its Impact on His Career
In November, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post interviewed Bryant, who candidly discussed his ongoing battle with lumbar degenerative disc disease, a chronic condition severely affecting his lower back. Bryant expressed frustration with the inability to find relief, stating,
“I wish I had better things to tell you,”
said Bryant in Las Vegas.
“It’s not in the best shape, and that’s pretty disheartening for me. It’s exhausting for me waking up and hoping to feel (better). I can’t tell you the last time I woke up feeling I’m in a good spot.”
This persistent issue is a major reason Bryant has appeared in only 170 games over the past four seasons, limiting his impact on the Rockies during his lucrative contract term. With no clear timeline for his return, Colorado faces significant uncertainty surrounding Bryant’s future contributions as the team must navigate the challenges of his extended absences.
Despite Bryant still owing the Rockies $81 million over the next three years of his contract, the team has yet to offer definitive updates on rehabilitation progress or a potential comeback.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Kris Bryant and the Rockies
The ongoing struggles of Kris Bryant pose a difficult situation for the Colorado Rockies as they attempt to balance roster flexibility and competitive ambitions. With Bryant sidelined for the first two months of the season and no set return date, the Rockies will need to rely on other contributors while managing the financial commitments tied to Bryant’s contract.
The addition of Tomoyuki Sugano to the pitching staff reflects the team’s efforts to bolster their lineup amid Bryant’s absence. However, fans remain anxious about the long-term implications of Bryant’s health issues and whether he can regain his form to justify the record deal signed just a few years ago.
As the season progresses, the Rockies and their supporters will be closely monitoring Bryant’s recovery and performance, hoping for a turnaround that can end the cycle of injury frustrations and restore stability to the team’s core lineup.
Spring training starts, and Rockies 1B Kris Bryant goes on the 60-day IL where he'll be out for at least the first 57 games of the season. Bryant, who played only 11 games last season, has played in 170 games in the first four years of his 7-year, $182 million contract.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 10, 2026
I’m afraid it’s another Anthony Rendon situation
— Juju (@Jujutalksball) February 10, 2026
up there with the Rendon contract. Absolute atrocity
— á… Liam (@Lclimateguy) February 10, 2026
What was the reasoning behind the contract again? The old owners signed him then sold it and the new owners don't want to spend money?
— Buckie58 (@Buckie5886) February 10, 2026
Whose contract was the worst…Bryant, Rendon, or Chris Davis???
— Nicky Giuffre (@TheNickyG) February 10, 2026
Kris Bryant turned into a massive bust since that big free-agent deal.
Since signing his 7yr/$182M with Rockies (2022-2025): Just 170 games (avg ~42.5/yr), .244/.324/.370, 17 HR, -1.6 WAR.
In 2025 alone: 11 games, .154 AVG, 0 HR, back issues landing him on IL again. Still $81M…— Frenchy (@FrenchyBam) February 10, 2026
Kris Bryant still plays baseball? Back in his usual spot. What a fleece job by him with that contract
— oBAWanKenobi (@wOBAWanKenobi) February 10, 2026
Unless if something out of nowhere happens, this will go down as one of the worst contracts on this scale in baseball history.
— Russ Gardiner (@CharlieRGa) February 10, 2026
