Kris Bryant’s Battle with Chronic Back Injury and Uncertain Future

Kris Bryant, the former NL Rookie of the Year and MVP, is facing a challenging situation with the Colorado Rockies as a chronic back injury threatens his career. Diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disc disease, Bryant’s ability to return to the field remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the remainder of his seven-year, $182 million contract.

Ailing Star and a Difficult Diagnosis

Bryant’s injury, specifically chronic lumbar degenerative disc disease, has significantly limited his playing time. He has appeared in only 170 games in the first four years of his contract, barely exceeding the equivalent of one full season MLB.com. The condition causes pain and instability, making even basic movements like running difficult. “Any time my feet hit the ground, I feel like I could probably fall over,” Bryant stated MLB.com.

Limited Participation in Spring Training

As of February 2026, Bryant is unable to run and is not participating in full-squad workouts at Rockies spring training. He has been placed on the 60-day injured list ESPN. He is currently focusing on rehabilitation and consulting with doctors and trainers to determine a path forward.

A Contract Under Scrutiny

Bryant signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the Rockies before the 2022 season. However, his performance has not lived up to the contract’s value, with a career slash line of .244/.324/.370 over his time in Colorado SI.com. He played in just 11 games in 2025 and has only seen action in 48 of a possible 324 games over the past two seasons SI.com. The contract is increasingly viewed as one of the worst in baseball history.

Focus Shifts to Support and Legacy

Despite the grim outlook, the focus surrounding Bryant has shifted from his on-field performance to offering support during this difficult time. Fans and analysts alike are acknowledging his struggles and remembering his past achievements with the Chicago Cubs, where he was a 2016 NL MVP and World Series champion.

Uncertain Future

Bryant, now 34, remains hesitant to discuss the possibility of retirement, stating he “doesn’t want to go there” The Denver Post. However, the severity of his condition and the lack of a clear recovery plan raise serious questions about his ability to return to the field. The Rockies are preparing to move forward without him for the foreseeable future, with manager Warren Schaeffer acknowledging the significant pain Bryant is experiencing The Denver Post.