Another major MLB free-agent domino has fallen. Kris Bryant is joining the Colorado Rockies.
Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the third baseman has signed a seven-year, $182 million contract.
Third baseman Kris Bryant and the Colorado Rockies are in agreement on a seven-year, $182 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 16, 2022
Although the 30-year-old hasn’t played up to his 2016 NL MVP heyday, he batted a commendable .265/.353/.481 with the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants last season. That slash line should skyrocket now that Bryant will call the hitter-friendly Coors Field home.
However, as many onlookers pointed out on Twitter, it’s an odd move for a franchise that traded away Nolan Arenado — their franchise cornerstone at the hot corner — to the St. Louis Cardinals for a widely panned return last offseason.
Will be nice to see the Rockies with a legit 3rd Baseman. About time for that organization. Finally. https://t.co/7SAidbNDeG
— Sam Dekker (@dekker) March 16, 2022
And the Rockies are still paying a portion of Nolan Arenado’s contract 🥁 https://t.co/qpm2wvOvq4
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) March 16, 2022
The Rockies owed Arenado $199 mil when he was traded to St Louis, and they spent $51 mil to send him there. Perhaps they should have just agreed to try to win instead? https://t.co/H5a78g8ZJX
— Josh Thomas (@jokeylocomotive) March 16, 2022
In future news, the Rockies have traded Kris Bryant to the Cardinals with cash for two non-prospects and an infielder that can’t hit. https://t.co/LUf33LZDfK
— Max Rieper (@maxrieper) March 16, 2022
Not everyone thought Bryant would receive such a lucrative long-term deal. It was especially surprising to see the Rockies write the check after dumping Arenado’s contract and seemingly making no effort to retain free agent shortstop Trevor Story.
I am absolutely stunned. Hats off to Boras. He found another sucker. #waittosee https://t.co/zzrSzDTHRr
— David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) March 16, 2022
Seven years? Wow. Good for him. The Giants read the market right and knew it would get too kooky for them. https://t.co/NmC8WzwTQW
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) March 16, 2022
I mean, I’m all for players getting paid, but the Rockies remain directionless https://t.co/AZ7MbwrjkI
— D.J. Short (@djshort) March 16, 2022
I am asking once again: what are the Rockies doing? https://t.co/VbdXHtX7Dp
— Molly Knight (@molly_knight) March 16, 2022
Colorado has made two playoff trips in the past dozen years, and Bryant is unlikely to vault the squad above the Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers for its first division title in franchise history.
It’s a bit of a puzzling move from an organization with a long line of head-scratching decisions.
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