Kris Bryant – Colorado Rockies Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Kris Bryant went from college baseball standout to MLB MVP, carving out an impressive career along the way. He started with the Chicago Cubs, winning both Rookie of the Year and National League MVP honors, before moving on to the Colorado Rockies.

Bryant inked a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Colorado Rockies in 2022, which included a $7 million signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.

Bryant’s financial success doesn’t just come from his playing contract. His net worth is estimated at $241 million, combining his on-field earnings with endorsement deals.

He currently earns $27 million per year, ranking him among baseball’s highest-paid players.

Even though injuries have slowed him down since joining Colorado, Bryant still commands respect for his powerful swing and defensive flexibility. He’s under contract through 2028, so Rockies fans still hope he’ll recapture the form that made him one of the game’s brightest stars during his time with the Cubs.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Kris Bryant’s path to baseball stardom started well before he reached the big leagues. His early years shaped the exceptional third baseman and power hitter fans know today.

Childhood and Family Background

Kris Bryant was born on January 4, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nevada. His dad, Mike Bryant, played a huge role in his baseball development.

Mike had a short stint in the Boston Red Sox minor league system and passed his love for the game to Kris. He built a batting cage in their backyard, where Kris spent countless hours working on his swing.

That backyard practice helped him develop the powerful hitting mechanics that became his trademark. Growing up in Las Vegas meant Bryant could train year-round, which gave him an edge over kids from colder places.

His parents always supported his baseball dreams but didn’t let him slack off on schoolwork.

High School Achievements

At Bonanza High School in Las Vegas, Bryant stood out right away. During his high school career, he put up some wild numbers:

Bryant earned All-State honors three years in a row and picked up the 2010 Nevada Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year award as a senior. Scouts took notice of his big right-handed swing and his glove at third base.

The Toronto Blue Jays drafted him in the 18th round in 2010, but Bryant chose college instead, betting on himself to get better and keep up his education. That call turned out to be a smart one.

College Baseball Journey

Bryant landed at the University of San Diego, where he blossomed into one of college baseball’s top players. He improved every year and broke plenty of records along the way.

As a freshman, he hit .365 with 9 home runs. The next year, he upped his total to 14 home runs with a .366 average. Then came his junior season, and he just exploded.

During 2013, Bryant put up one of the best offensive seasons in NCAA history:

• NCAA-leading 31 home runs
• .329 batting average
• 1.314 OPS
• Won the Golden Spikes Award
• Named Baseball America College Player of the Year

After that monster year, the Chicago Cubs grabbed him with the second overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, offering a $6.7 million signing bonus.

Professional Career Overview

Kris Bryant’s baseball journey took him from college standout to MLB superstar. Along the way, he racked up big achievements and memorable moments.

MLB Draft and Minor League Development

The Chicago Cubs picked Bryant second overall in the 2013 MLB Draft. That moment kicked off his professional career.

Bryant started with the Boise Hawks in Class A, and he didn’t waste time making an impression. He quickly moved up the Cubs’ system, thanks to his big bat.

His minor league stats were off the charts. Bryant’s power and plate discipline made him a top prospect. In 2014, he smashed 43 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A, earning Minor League Player of the Year.

Cubs executive Jed Hoyer saw Bryant as a cornerstone for the team’s rebuild.

Rookie Season and Early Success

Bryant made his MLB debut on April 17, 2015. The Cubs waited to call him up so they could keep him under team control for an extra year, which sparked a bit of controversy.

Once he arrived, Bryant made an instant impact. He hit 26 home runs, drove in 99 runs, and posted a .858 OPS as a rookie. He played both third base and outfield, showing off his versatility.

Bryant won the 2015 National League Rookie of the Year award, getting all 30 first-place votes. His 5.9 WAR put him among the league’s most valuable players.

He quickly became a key part of the Cubs’ lineup, joining stars like Anthony Rizzo and Javier Báez.

Chicago Cubs Era

Bryant’s run with the Cubs from 2015 to 2021 was packed with highlights. The peak came in 2016, when he hit .292 with 39 home runs and 102 RBIs, earning National League MVP.

He came up clutch in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, helping the Cubs finally snap their 108-year title drought. Bryant fielded the last out, grinning as he threw to first to seal the win.

From 2016 to 2019, Bryant kept up elite production and made three All-Star teams. His mix of offense and defensive flexibility made him invaluable to the Cubs.

Injuries started to creep in later on, and his numbers dipped a bit. Still, he left Chicago with a .889 OPS and 31.9 WAR, a huge part of the Cubs’ modern success.

Major Achievements and Notable Seasons

Kris Bryant’s career includes some massive highs—a World Series win, MVP honors, and several All-Star nods. He’s shown both talent and grit through ups and downs.

2016 NL MVP and World Series Victory

Bryant’s 2016 season really stands out. He won NL MVP by batting .292 with 39 home runs and 102 RBIs. His offense and defensive versatility made him the clear pick.

The Cubs’ World Series win capped it off. In Game 7, Bryant scooped up the final out and tossed to first, grinning as Chicago celebrated its first title in over a century.

His regular season numbers were eye-popping:

• .292 average
• .385 on-base percentage
• 39 homers
• 102 RBIs
• 8.4 WAR

All-Star Selections and Awards

Bryant has earned four All-Star selections: 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021. He’s picked up plenty of hardware beyond his MVP.

He grabbed the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year after hitting 26 homers, even though the Cubs held him in the minors to get an extra year of control. He became the first player to win both Baseball America’s college player and minor league player awards.

In 2017, he kept it rolling with a .295 average and 29 homers, finishing third in MVP voting.

Performance with Colorado Rockies

After signing that 7-year, $182 million contract with the Rockies, things got rocky—pun intended. Injuries limited Bryant’s playing time right out of the gate.

In 2022, his first season in Colorado, he played just 42 games because of back issues and plantar fasciitis. 2023 wasn’t much better; a left foot fracture kept him to 65 games.

When he’s healthy, Bryant still flashes his old power at Coors Field. The Rockies are hoping their big investment eventually pays off if he can get past the injuries.

Key Trades and Career Milestones

The 2021 trade deadline brought a big change for Bryant. After more than six years with the Cubs, he got traded to the San Francisco Giants for prospects Alexander Canario and Caleb Kilian.

Bryant has hit some major milestones along the way:

• 1,000th career hit (June 2021)
• 200th career home run (August 2022)
• First three-homer game (June 27, 2016 vs. Reds)

Bryant’s defensive flexibility is kind of wild. He started as a third baseman, but he’s played all three outfield spots and first base in the majors.

His net worth is estimated around $50 million, boosted by his Rockies contract and deals with Adidas and Red Bull.

Contracts, Salary, and Financial Earnings

Kris Bryant’s financial journey in MLB shows how he went from hyped prospect to a veteran with a massive contract. His earnings reflect early success, smart negotiating, and a huge free-agent payday.

Rookie Contract and Salary Arbitration

Bryant signed his first MLB contract with the Chicago Cubs after they drafted him second overall in 2013, picking up a signing bonus of $6.7 million. His first big-league salary wasn’t huge, but his 2015 Rookie of the Year season boosted his value.

During arbitration (2018-2021), Bryant’s salary jumped. In 2018, he made $10.85 million—a record for a first-year arbitration-eligible player. He pulled in $12.9 million in 2019.

The Cubs and Bryant always managed to settle before an arbitration hearing. For the 2021 season, he got $19.5 million, which capped off some big financial growth before free agency.

Major Contract Signings and Extensions

Bryant’s biggest payday came in March 2022. He signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the Rockies, which included a full no-trade clause.

The contract pays him an average of $26 million per year. His 2025 salary is set at $27 million, putting him among the top earners in the sport.

Before that, Bryant and the Cubs never agreed on a long-term extension, even though they talked about it multiple times. Fans and media often wondered why a deal never happened.

Free Agency Decisions

Bryant hit free agency after 2021 as one of the top players available. Teams like the Mets and Dodgers showed interest, but the Rockies swooped in and landed him.

His decision to sign with Colorado surprised a lot of people, since the Rockies weren’t seen as favorites. The money, contract length, and no-trade clause probably sealed the deal for Bryant.

The seven-year contract gave him rare security, especially for a player nearing 30. Timing worked in his favor, coming off a solid 2021 split between the Cubs and Giants.

Impact of MLB Salary Cap and CBA

MLB doesn’t use a hard salary cap, but the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) acts as a soft cap and really affected Bryant’s market. Teams that get close to this threshold usually hesitate and might back off from chasing players like Bryant.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations wrapped up in early 2022, but the uncertainty during Bryant’s free agency was tough to ignore. When the CBA finally got done, it raised the CBT thresholds, so teams could spend a little more on big-name free agents like Bryant.

The CBA kept the same arbitration system that helped Bryant during his Cubs years. MLB changed the service time manipulation rules, but honestly, that came too late for Bryant. The Cubs delayed his debut in 2015, which gave them an extra year of control over him.

Bryant’s deal with the Rockies will last through several CBA cycles, with the current agreement running out after the 2026 season.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Kris Bryant has built up some serious wealth from his MLB contracts and endorsement deals. He’s become one of baseball’s more marketable stars since he broke into the majors.

Estimated Career Earnings

Bryant’s financial foundation is his seven-year, $182 million contract with the Colorado Rockies, which he signed in March 2022. The deal included a $7 million signing bonus and is fully guaranteed. That’s a huge boost to his career earnings.

Before he joined the Rockies, Bryant made about $42 million with the Chicago Cubs. He went through several one-year arbitration deals. In 2021, before the trade, he earned around $19.5 million.

If you add up his Cubs earnings and the Rockies contract, Bryant’s career baseball earnings will top $220 million by the end of the deal, as long as he plays it out.

His net worth sits at roughly $8 million as of 2024. That number should climb a lot as the Rockies contract continues.

Major Sponsorships and Endorsement Deals

Bryant has padded his baseball income with some solid endorsement partnerships. He’s earned about $1.4 million from endorsements so far.

Some of his biggest partnerships include:

• Adidas: Bryant signed a long-term footwear and apparel deal early on.
• Red Bull: He’s appeared in a few of their marketing campaigns.
• Express: Acted as a brand ambassador for the clothing company.
• Rawlings: Uses and endorses their baseball gear.

Bryant’s clean-cut image, playoff wins with the Cubs, and his 2016 NL MVP award all help his marketability. After the Cubs won the 2016 World Series, his endorsement value hit its peak, and he became a face people recognized everywhere.

Injuries have slowed him down lately, but his reputation and brand still draw in sponsors. Companies looking for baseball personalities with mainstream appeal keep coming back to Bryant.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Off the field, Kris Bryant juggles family, charity work, and his own interests. These things shape who he is beyond just being a baseball player.

Family and Relationships

Kris Bryant was born on January 4, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nevada. His family has played a huge role in his success. He married Jessica Delp, his high school sweetheart, in January 2017.

They stuck together through college at the University of San Diego and into his pro career. In April 2020, they welcomed their first son, Kyler Lee Bryant. They had a second son in 2022.

Bryant often credits his family for keeping him grounded and motivated. Unlike guys like Aaron Judge or Bryce Harper, Bryant doesn’t post much about his family on social media, though he’ll share a few moments with fans now and then.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Bryant has become a quiet leader in the community. When he played for the Chicago Cubs, he grew close with teammate Anthony Rizzo. The two took part in a lot of charity events, including the annual Cubs Charities fundraisers.

He’s spent time working with children’s hospitals and youth baseball programs around Chicago. After signing with the Rockies on a seven-year contract worth $182 million, Bryant brought that same energy to Denver.

Bryant prefers to keep his charity work low-key, focusing on meaningful projects instead of chasing attention. That’s a little different from the flashier approach some players—like Francisco Lindor or certain Dodgers—take.

Interests Beyond Baseball

Bryant loves spending time outdoors. He hikes, fishes, and explores nature whenever he gets the chance.

Colorado really appealed to him when he signed with the Rockies—probably not a surprise if you know how much he likes the outdoors.

He’s dabbled in business ventures and endorsements, too. Kris has built a significant part of his reported net worth by partnering with brands like Adidas and Red Bull.

He keeps in touch with several MLB stars, like Joc Pederson and Trea Turner. They often meet up during the offseason, which sounds like a good time.

Unlike Shohei Ohtani, who keeps his personal life under wraps, Bryant sometimes shares his hobbies and interests with fans on social media.

He’s also got a thing for classic cars. During the offseason, you might spot him at automobile shows, checking out the latest vintage rides.