Rockies Leadership Shifts Focus Away From Bryant
Colorado Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta indicated that the franchise must prepare for a future without Kris Bryant as it looks toward roster building following the conclusion of the 2026 season. Speaking with the press amid the end of the team's campaign, DePodesta outlined a strategic approach that assumes Bryant will not be part of the active lineup.
"We have to continue to move forward from a roster-building standpoint as if we’re not going to have him," DePodesta said, according to Kyle Newman of The Denver Post. The statement marks a significant pivot in how the organization is managing its long-term financial and personnel commitments regarding the former National League Most Valuable Player.
The comment comes as Bryant, 34, remains sidelined from professional play. He did not appear in any games for Colorado during the 2026 season, a year in which the Rockies finished with a 58-104 record. His absence has left the team to navigate its roster construction without one of its most recognizable former figures.
Contract Obligations and Financial Implications
The Rockies remain financially tied to Bryant through his original seven-year, $182 million contract signed before the 2022 season. Despite his lack of participation in recent years, the team is still owed $27 million in each of the next two seasons under the terms of that agreement.
Bryant's tenure with Colorado has been defined by limited availability and declining production. Over five seasons with the franchise, he played in only 170 total games due to lingering injuries. During his time on the roster, Bryant posted a negative Wins Above Replacement (WAR) statistic, batting .244 with a .695 OPS.
His most recent appearance occurred during the 2025 season, where he appeared in just 11 games before being sidelined by a degenerative disc condition in his back. The nature of this injury has raised questions about the longevity of his career, with reports suggesting he may have already played his final inning of Major League Baseball.
Health Concerns and Career Status
Bryant shared alarming symptoms related to his spinal condition last year, contributing to uncertainty regarding his ability to continue playing at the professional level. The degenerative disc condition has progressively limited his capacity to compete, leading to his complete absence from the 2026 field.
While Bryant is no longer an active player for Colorado, his status within the league remains a subject of observation. Reports indicate that he may eventually be categorized as a former player, though no official retirement announcement has been confirmed in the provided records. His physical decline contrasts sharply with his earlier career achievements.
Before joining the Rockies, Bryant established himself as a premier talent in baseball. He is a four-time All-Star and a World Series champion, having won the title with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. His previous accolades included winning the National League MVP award, highlighting the disparity between his peak performance years and his recent struggles with health.
As the Rockies move forward under DePodesta's guidance, the organization is prioritizing roster development independent of Bryant's potential return. The president's directive to treat Bryant as unavailable suggests that Colorado is fully committing to a new era of construction, unencumbered by the expectations associated with his past success or the financial burdens of his contract.