The news that Kris Bryant has been diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disc disease doesn’t just mark another chapter in his injury-plagued tenure with the Rockies — it might redefine the franchise’s direction entirely.
Bryant, 33, was already struggling mightily at the plate this season, hitting just .154 with no home runs and a .400 OPS. This latest setback could be the most significant yet, not only because of the health implications but because of what it signals about the long-term investment Colorado made in him.
The Rockies signed Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million contract in March 2022, envisioning him as a veteran anchor for a developing team. Instead, they’ve got a player who’s appeared in just 159 games over nearly three seasons. Now facing a chronic condition, Bryant’s physical decline could force the Rockies to rethink how they build their roster moving forward.
Degenerative disc disease is not something that magically heals with rest and rehab. It’s a long-term issue that typically requires ongoing pain management and, in some cases, surgical intervention. The best-case scenario might still involve Bryant playing through discomfort, which could continue to limit his power and availability.
That leaves the Rockies in a tough spot. After this season, Bryant has three years and $81 million remaining on his deal. With a full no-trade clause, there’s little chance of offloading the contract. If Bryant can’t return to anything close to his former MVP level, that money becomes dead weight — limiting the team’s flexibility to invest elsewhere.
For a small-market franchise like Colorado, that’s a significant issue. Unlike teams that can afford to carry bloated contracts on the books, the Rockies must operate efficiently to compete. A compromised Bryant ties up resources the club can’t afford to waste.
Additionally, it pressures the front office to hit on draft picks and lower-cost player development. The Bryant deal was supposed to provide a steady veteran presence as younger talent matured. With that stability in question, the Rockies must find leadership elsewhere.
Fans should also consider the messaging. Bryant was a big-name acquisition that signaled ambition. If the relationship ends up defined by injuries and unmet expectations, it could reinforce the perception that Colorado is a franchise stuck in neutral.
In the long term, the Rockies may be forced to consider some version of a soft rebuild, even if they won’t admit it publicly. If Bryant can’t return to form, the organization might have no choice but to reallocate its focus to prospects and internal development while absorbing the cost of his contract.
Kris Bryant’s diagnosis is not just a player injury story; it’s a franchise-altering moment that could shape the Rockies’ operation for years.
