Kris Bryant’s Troubling Back Update Hits Rockies Fans Hard
Kris Bryant’s recent comments regarding his back condition have sent shockwaves through the Colorado Rockies fanbase. The excitement surrounding his signing in 2022 has quickly turned into disappointment as the reality of his ongoing health struggles comes to light.
The Illusion of Hope
When the Rockies inked Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million contract, fans hoped they were acquiring a star capable of leading the team back to prominence. Despite a decline from his peak years, Bryant demonstrated flashes of brilliance, finishing the 2021 season with the San Francisco Giants by posting a .262 batting average, seven home runs, and an OPS+ that outperformed league average.
However, that optimism was short-lived. Following a promising start, Bryant’s tenure in Colorado has been marred by injuries. He battled a significant back issue in 2022, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season due to plantar fasciitis. The struggles continued into 2023, where recurring heel issues and a broken finger further impacted his availability.
A Frustrating Reality
In total, Bryant has participated in just 170 games for the Rockies over the last two seasons. Considering the team has played 648 regular-season games in that time, this contract is increasingly viewed as one of the most regrettable in sports history. The Rockies still owe him a staggering $81 million over the next three years, raising concerns about how the franchise can move forward.
Bryant’s recent remarks to The Denver Post revealed a stark reality. “I wish I had better things to tell you,” he admitted. “It’s not in the best shape, and that’s pretty disheartening for me. It’s exhausting 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.”
Painful Limitations
Bryant’s candid assessment of his back issues left little room for optimism. Although he is exploring remedies like Pilates and core strengthening exercises, the fundamental movements required in baseball are proving problematic. “It’s the running and the hitting the ground with my feet and the compression into my spine,” he explained. “Those sharp bending-over sensations when I’m diving for a ball or diving back to the bag—those quick, unorthodox movements always get me.”
While swinging a bat may not aggravate his condition, the inability to run the bases or engage in critical plays without risking further injury poses a significant challenge for both Bryant and the Rockies.
A New Chapter for the Rockies
As the Rockies prepare to enter a new era with fresh leadership in their baseball operations, Bryant’s future with the team hangs in the balance. The player once celebrated as the recipient of the largest contract in franchise history now appears unlikely to contribute meaningfully moving forward.
The reality is stark: the Rockies must confront the possibility that their high-profile signing may never return to the form that once made him a premier player in Major League Baseball. The emotional toll of Bryant’s situation resonates deeply with fans who were once hopeful for a brighter future.
