Rockies Deny Blocking Kris Bryant From 2016 Cubs Reunion

This article dives into the controversy over Kris Bryant’s absence from the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series reunion at Cubs Convention. Fans were caught off guard, and speculation exploded online.

It started with a radio report but quickly snowballed into a social media frenzy. Suddenly, the Colorado Rockies found themselves in the middle of the drama, and people started asking new questions about Bryant’s health and future—maybe even his place in today’s game, despite everything he’s already done.

Kris Bryant’s Noticeable Absence at Cubs Convention

The Cubs’ 2016 World Series title is still one of the biggest moments in team history. Reunions from that run are packed with emotion.

This year, fans filled the room, eager to relive those memories. But something was off—Kris Bryant was missing from the stage, even though many of his old teammates showed up.

Bryant, the former NL MVP and a huge part of that championship, was expected to be there. The absence felt even stranger because other 2016 Cubs, now playing for different teams, managed to make it.

Radio Report Sparks Backlash

Things got heated when Chicago’s 670 The Score claimed Bryant “was not allowed to be there by his team,” pointing fingers at the Colorado Rockies. The story spread fast, and fans quickly blamed the Rockies for keeping Bryant away.

Without any real explanation, the report made the Rockies look like the bad guys, supposedly blocking a simple reunion. Tensions rose, and rumors started flying about drama behind the scenes.

Rockies Deny Any Involvement

Reporters jumped in right away. MLB.com’s Thomas Harding and the Denver Post’s Patrick Saunders both said the Rockies flat-out denied stopping Bryant from attending.

So far, nobody’s given a clear reason why Bryant missed out, especially when guys like Kyle Schwarber and Javier Báez had no problem showing up. The silence just makes everything more confusing.

A Cubs Icon, Regardless of Uniform

No matter what team he plays for now, Bryant’s spot in Cubs history is set in stone. He was the face of the 2016 champs, coming through in the postseason and helping end the 108-year drought.

For a lot of fans, his absence stung. It wasn’t just a scheduling mix-up—it felt like something was missing from the celebration.

Injuries and an Uncertain Future in Colorado

There’s another layer here that’s tough to ignore: Kris Bryant’s career has taken a hit from injuries. Since signing his seven-year, $182 million deal with the Rockies after 2021, he’s barely been on the field.

In four seasons, he’s only played 170 games. That’s a shockingly low number for a guy who was once among baseball’s best.

Declining Production and Health Concerns

Even when he’s healthy, Bryant hasn’t lived up to expectations. His .244/.324/.370 line is pretty underwhelming, especially in a ballpark that usually boosts hitters’ numbers.

Last May, doctors diagnosed him with degenerative disc disease. That news set off whispers that he might retire early, and those rumors haven’t really died down as he’s played less and less.

• Games played since 2022: 170
• Remaining contract: 3 years, $81 million
• Primary concern: Chronic back issues

Bryant Says He’s Not Done Yet

Bryant recently said he intends to keep playing. Of course, the big question is whether his body will let him do that consistently—he and the Rockies are still figuring that out.

Cubs fans felt his absence at the reunion. Time, injuries, and business have a way of complicating even the best baseball stories.

 
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