This story was excerpted from Thomas Harding’s Rockies Beat e-newsletter. To learn the complete e-newsletter, click on right here. And subscribe to get it repeatedly in your inbox.
DENVER — Kris Bryant hopes that that is his time to lastly let Rockies followers get to know him.
Bryant signed autographs, answered questions and smiled all day Saturday throughout Rockies Fest at Coors Discipline, the place a report variety of followers had been capable of get shut with their workforce. It was Bryant’s first time on the occasion, which had been dormant for just a few years due to stadium development and the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, the Rockies know up shut that they signed a real dude to a seven-year, $182 million contract earlier than the 2022 season. However what they’ve seen little of in two seasons — 122 video games mixed with a 93 OPS+ that’s seven factors under the MLB common — is the participant who commanded the deal.
Rockies followers have seen Bryant with recurring accidents: plantar fasciitis, a bruised heel, again issues and, simply when it appeared all that was behind him final summer season, a damaged left index finger when he was hit by a pitch. All Bryant can reply with is a star-studded historical past that features 4 All-Star Recreation journeys, Nationwide League Rookie of the Yr and Most Priceless Participant seasons — all with the Cubs.
Bryant would amend that. His historical past is all he has to point out to date.
“The largest factor is you simply look behind somebody’s baseball card, proper?” Bryant stated. “I do know that is the kind of participant I’m. I’ve performed for a very long time. I’ve had my justifiable share of ups and downs, however , [I have] the will in me to carry out and be an excellent baseball participant and do huge issues on the sector assist the workforce win.”
The Rockies signed Bryant after a yr that noticed them deal third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals and lose by way of free company shortstop Trevor Story (Pink Sox) and pitcher Jon Grey (Rangers). However as an alternative of lifting the workforce by way of its transition, Bryant has been compelled to take child steps — very similar to the workforce has needed to concentrate on by way of seasons of 68-94 and 59-103 information.
Bryant didn’t play in 2022 after July 31, so getting back from the finger damage final season for 15 September video games was an enchancment that he hopes results in a large leap.
“I didn’t wish to be going by way of any [offseason] rehab and losing any time,” Bryant stated. “I wished to be on the market with the fellows. I positively felt slightly rusty [.158 with two homers in 60 September plate appearances] however I felt wholesome. In order that was nice. I’m tremendous wanting to get on the market with a transparent mindset.”
If Bryant approaches the offensive influence the Rockies envisioned, he can be a part of a bunch he compliments as workmanlike, saying, “one of the best groups I’ve performed on had that very same mentality.” But when accidents proceed, he may very well be watching these hearty kids surpass him.
Bryant was initially signed to play left area. He transitioned to proper due to accidents, however his previous left-field job isn’t accessible as a result of star rookie Nolan Jones ran with it final yr. The Rockies wish to use him at first base, however in addition they wish to see if youthful gamers Elehuris Montero and Michael Toglia are able to make the place theirs. Bryant additionally figures to be a part of the designated hitter rotation with Charlie Blackmon and no matter youthful participant isn’t within the lineup that individual day.
Bryant has stepped outdoors his shy character to assist youthful gamers since becoming a member of the Rockies.
“I’ve actually embraced that the final couple years,” Bryant stated. “I hope so as to add extra on the sector, too.”
