MLB teams are reporting to Spring Training ahead of the 2026 season but for one former Chicago Cubs MVP, he will be sitting on the sideline for a bit.
Since signing a massive 7-year, $182 million deal with the Colorado Rockies back in 2022, Bryant has struggled to stay healthy. That’s the case once again here in 2026 as he will begin the year on the Injured List.
Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports reported that the Rockies are placing Bryant on the Injured List, meaning he will miss at least the first 57 games to start the new season. He played in just 11 games last year.
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
Kris Bryant’s injury-plagued career with Colorado Rockies
Apr 9, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Kris Bryant (23) looks on from the dugout before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Rockies are certainly losing out on this big gamble when they signed Bryant back in 2022. They envisioned him being a cornerstone of their franchise for years to come. But so far, that’s been far from the case.
Since the 2022 season, Bryant has played in just 170 games over the first four years. He’s hitting .262/.344/.444 with the Rockies, well below his career averages. And that’s when he’s playing. He also has a WAR of -1.5 with the Rockies.
With Bryant having back problems, it’s sidelined him. He did undergo a ablation procedure last season to remedy the lumbar degenerative disc disease that has felled him in recent years.
It’s sad to see Bryant’s career take a turn like this, especially after how his career started in Chicago. After winning the MVP, it felt like Bryant was going to have a long career as one of the best third basemen in all of baseball.
But now, the Rockies are just hoping he can stay as healthy as possible when he returns.
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