In baseball, free agency often resembles a high-stakes gamble. Many players typically enter free agency around or beyond the age of 30, with rare exceptions. Deals made during this period can vary greatly in success, and the Colorado Rockies have faced their share of ups and downs as evidenced by their recent signing of Kris Bryant. Unfortunately, this move has turned into one of the worst contracts in baseball history.
Kris Bryant’s Ill-Fated Contract with the Rockies
Before joining the Rockies, Kris Bryant had an impressive career. He was drafted second overall in 2013 and became baseball’s top prospect for two consecutive years. His debut in 2015 won him the National League Rookie of the Year Award. The following year, he was named NL MVP and played a vital role in the Chicago Cubs’ first World Series victory since 1908.
After a productive few seasons, the Cubs traded Bryant, and he entered free agency in 2021 following a strong performance, including a .835 OPS and 25 home runs. The Colorado Rockies surprised many by signing him to a seven-year deal valued at $182 million, marking the highest free agent contract in the franchise’s history.
Immediate Fallout
Tragically for the Rockies, the exuberance of this contract quickly faded. In his first season with the Rockies, Bryant posted an impressive .851 OPS but participated in only 42 games. Injuries became a recurring issue, with Bryant enduring nine stints on the injured list over four seasons, limiting him to just 170 games during that time frame.
- Performance since signing:
- .642 OPS in 2023
- 69 OPS+ in 128 games
- -2.2 bWAR
The situation is compounded by the fact that Bryant is still owed $27 million annually for the next three seasons. This massive financial commitment is becoming increasingly burdensome for the franchise.
The Pain Index and Long-Term Implications
Despite the contract not being one of the highest in financial terms compared to players like Stephen Strasburg or Anthony Rendon, it still ranks among the most detrimental in terms of impact. Bleacher Report referred to it as a “nightmare contract,” emphasizing the inefficacy of Bryant’s performance.
Current circumstances reveal that Bryant’s injury issues have escalated, with his latest diagnosis of lumbar degenerative disc disease. In 2025, he played only 11 games before landing on the 60-day injured list due to worsening conditions. This turn of events has further complicated his standing with the team.
Conclusion
The Rockies now face the reality of this unfortunate contract, with little hope of trade possibilities as Bryant’s value diminishes. They are burdened with substantial financial commitments while grappling with the ongoing struggles of an iconic player who once dominated the sport. The combination of injuries and performance downturn has rendered Bryant’s signing one of the most disastrous in recent baseball history.
