Kris Bryant’s Rockies Deal Ranked Among Baseball’s Worst Contracts
Rockies’ Expensive Gamble: Kris Bryant’s Contract Crisis
Colorado Rockies’ Costly Free Agency Partner
In the world of baseball, free agency is a high-stakes gamble. Teams often pay a premium to lure top talent, and the Colorado Rockies are no exception. While players like Juan Soto and Bryce Harper enter free agency at a young age, this is rare. Most players reach this stage near or beyond 30, making strategic acquisitions uncertain.
The Rockies have witnessed both successes and major disappointments in this arena. Notable signings like Larry Walker and Andres Galarraga brought glory, but there have also been costly missteps, including the infamous signings of Mike Hampton and Ian Desmond. Yet, the franchise’s most troubling contract came with the acquisition of former National League MVP Kris Bryant as they faced one of their most challenging seasons ever.
Kris Bryant: From Star Rookie to Financial Burden
Drafted second overall in 2013, Kris Bryant quickly became a spotlight favorite. As baseball’s top prospect for two years, he debuted in 2015, clinching the National League Rookie of the Year Award. His success peaked in 2016 when he won the NL MVP and guided the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series victory since 1908.
Though his performance waned slightly over subsequent seasons, Bryant remained an All-Star caliber player. In 2021, amidst the Cubs’ rebuilding phase, Bryant was traded following a strong season, registering 25 home runs and a .835 OPS. As a free agent, he was unexpectedly signed by the Rockies with a seven-year, $182 million contract—the most lucrative in the franchise’s history—but it quickly turned problematic.
The Unfolding of a “Nightmare Contract”
Bryant impressed in the initial stages of his deal, achieving an .851 OPS in limited playtime during his first year. The issue, however, was his persistent absence, with only 42 games played. Over four seasons, he has endured nine Injured List stints, partaking in merely 170 games.
- Consistently low OPS of .642 since 2023
- Subpar 69 OPS+ and negative 2.2 bWAR over 128 games
- Significant time missed due to injuries, notably “lumbar degenerative disc disease”
Financial and Athletic Challenges Ahead
Despite his struggles, Bryant, now 33, is contracted for $101 million more, with an additional $27 million annually over the next three seasons. This places the Rockies in a difficult position, as moving him is nearly impossible, and the financial commitment remains substantial.
Critics compare this contract with other painful deals in baseball—though Bryant’s falls short of those like Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon due to their higher values. Nevertheless, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller terms it an “all-timer of a disaster,” highlighting its long-lasting negative impact on the team.
Future Prospects for Kris Bryant and the Rockies
Bryant’s latest injury further aggravates his and the Rockies’ difficulties. After playing just 11 games in 2025, his future participation is uncertain as he grapples with ongoing health issues. Despite the setback, Bryant remains hopeful, previously stating his pain was significant.
For the Rockies, navigating this situation and the fiscal implications continues to be a formidable challenge, exacerbating an already tumultuous period for the franchise. Re-evaluating their strategy and finding ways to mitigate financial burdens are essential as they seek to rebuild in the coming years. Emegypt will continue to provide updates on this evolving story.
