Kris Bryant was drafted in 2013, won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2015, and the NL MVP and the World Series in 2016.
Now that’s how you start an MLB career.
Injuries have affected his play and availability in recent years, but let’s not forget that he once was one of baseball’s brightest young stars.
It’s not a coincidence that he got a lofty contract from the Colorado Rockies in the 2021-22 offseason: when healthy, the guy makes a difference.
That’s the key of everything: health.
Last season, he was limited to 42 games and 160 at-bats, and while he hit .306/.376/.475, he hit just five homers which is a modest total for a guy of his talent.
This time around, his swing and power stroke both appear to be back.
Take a close look at this play during spring training.
A souvenir sent to the concourse, courtesy of @KrisBryant_23. 😳 pic.twitter.com/hWf0QSocQs
— MLB (@MLB) March 1, 2023
Yes, we know it’s an exhibition game, but wow.
That ball was destroyed.
People are still going back and back, waiting for it to land.
It’s just a reminder of Bryant’s raw power: it has never been in question, but he needed to leave behind a series of injuries.
In recent seasons, he has endured back, foot, and shoulder ailments that have had an impact on his mechanics.
He appears to have left it all behind now, and if that’s truly the case, the results (and the homers) should follow.
The Rockies are probably not going to the playoffs anytime soon, but a locked-in Bryant will surely attract a lot of people to the stands.
NEXT: MLB Analyst Discusses Kris Bryant's Outlook
