Kris Bryant’s stint with the Colorado Rockies continues to unravel, as the former Chicago Cubs star has been placed on the injured list with lumbar degenerative disc disease, a condition that marks yet another setback in an already injury-marred tenure. The Rockies announced the move on Monday, further dimming the outlook for the former 2016 NL MVP, whose production and availability have plummeted since his high-profile arrival in Denver.
According to MLB.com, the Rockies are hopeful that Bryant will return at the end of his IL stint, but this diagnosis raises long-term concerns. The Cleveland Clinic clarifies that degenerative disc disease, while not an actual disease, involves the wearing down of spinal discs, which can cause chronic pain and mobility issues. It remains unclear if this diagnosis is directly tied to the persistent back injuries that have plagued Bryant since 2022.
Since signing with Colorado in March 2022, Bryant has struggled to stay on the field. He’s appeared in just 159 games over nearly three seasons and has amassed a disappointing -1.1 bWAR in that span. This latest setback marks his ninth trip to the injured list with the Rockies, reinforcing the narrative that his body simply hasn’t held up under the weight of expectations and injuries.
Bryant’s 2025 campaign has started as poorly as it possibly could. In just 11 games, the 33-year-old is hitting an anemic .154 with no home runs, one RBI, and a .400 OPS, making him one of the least productive players in the league over that stretch. Once an offensive powerhouse and postseason hero in Chicago, Bryant’s performance has fallen far below both his contract and his former All-Star standards.
The Rockies’ investment in Bryant — seven years and $182 million — continues to look like one of the most unfortunate free-agent signings in recent memory. While there’s still time left on the deal, both the front office and fans have to wonder whether the former MVP can ever return to form, or if his body has permanently betrayed the promise of his prime.
