The Colorado Rockies are facing yet another setback as Kris Bryant is set to return to the injured list. Rockies manager Bud Black confirmed Bryant’s back issues have resurfaced, marking another stint on the sidelines for the star player. This development adds to the team’s woes, which include a five-game losing streak, compounded by a demoralizing loss to the Cincinnati Reds. As the Rockies prepare to head into a challenging series, the absence of Bryant only amplifies their struggles.
Fans are becoming increasingly disillusioned with Bryant’s frequent absences. Harrison Haus, a long-time supporter, expressed his frustration, noting that Bryant often misses games when the team plays at home. Of the 15 games Haus attended, Bryant missed 10. This inconsistency has fans questioning the value of Bryant’s hefty contract, which spans seven years and $182 million. Despite the financial commitment, Bryant has played in just 146 games over three seasons, hitting .247 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs.
The Rockies’ predicament is reminiscent of the costly Russell Wilson situation with the Broncos, suggesting a painful and expensive solution may be necessary. Haus and other fans believe the team might need to continue fielding Bryant, hoping he can regain form and become a valuable trade asset. However, the likelihood of finding a trade partner for an injury-prone player seems slim. Rockies management, led by General Manager Bill Schmidt, faces a difficult decision on how to proceed with Bryant’s contract and his future with the team.
Denver resident Ashley Kindsvatter voiced a common sentiment among fans: cutting Bryant might be the most practical move despite the financial loss. She argued that Bryant’s limited playing time does little to benefit the team and suggested that management needs to make tough decisions to protect the team’s long-term interests. With other key players like German Marquez and Kyle Freeland also sidelined, the Rockies’ season looks increasingly bleak.
Ultimately, the Rockies are stuck with a player whose physical limitations have severely hampered his contribution. Fans, left to explain Bryant’s absences to their children and grapple with the reality of a poor return on investment, are understandably frustrated. The team’s management must now navigate this challenging situation, balancing financial commitments with the need for on-field performance, as they continue to struggle in the competitive NL West.
