Kris Bryant Sidelined by Chronic Back Pain, Rockies Prepare for Season Without Him

Former MVP struggles with degenerative disc disease, unsure if he can continue playing baseball

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Kris Bryant, the former National League MVP and World Series champion with the Chicago Cubs, has reported to Colorado Rockies spring training, but he is unable to participate in baseball activities due to a chronic back condition. Bryant, who signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Rockies before the 2022 season, has played in only 170 games for the team over the past two years due to the debilitating pain from his lumbar degenerative disc disease. The Rockies have already placed him on the 60-day injured list, and there are no plans for him to play this season as the team focuses on supporting him through his recovery.

Why it matters

Bryant's ongoing battle with his back injury highlights the physical toll that professional sports can take on athletes, even those at the peak of their careers. His situation also raises questions about the long-term viability of big-money, long-term contracts in professional sports, as the Rockies still owe him $81 million over the next three years despite his inability to contribute on the field.

The details

Bryant, who turned 34 last month, has tried various treatments, including an ablation procedure, pilates, and physical therapy, to manage the pain from his degenerative disc disease, but nothing has worked. He says the pain is so severe that some days it's difficult for him to even grab the toothpaste in front of him. Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer has said the team has to prepare as if Bryant won't play this season, though they remain hopeful he can make a recovery and contribute as a mentor to the team's young players.

  • Bryant signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Rockies before the 2022 season.
  • Bryant has played in only 170 games for the Rockies over the past two seasons.

The players

Kris Bryant

A former National League MVP and World Series champion with the Chicago Cubs, Bryant signed a franchise-record seven-year, $182 million contract with the Colorado Rockies before the 2022 season. He is currently struggling with a degenerative back condition that has limited him to just 170 games over the past two seasons.

Warren Schaeffer

The manager of the Colorado Rockies, Schaeffer has said the team has to prepare as if Bryant won't play this season due to his ongoing back issues, though they remain hopeful he can contribute as a mentor to the team's young players.

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What they’re saying

“Any time my feet hit the ground, I feel like I could probably fall over. It's unfortunate and obviously not how I want this to go. I'm here to figure things out and find out if there is a way to get better.”

— Kris Bryant (Chicago Tribune)

“We have to prepare like he's not going to play. That's just the way we have to go about it, hoping that he has a recovery and a breakthrough. But was of now, his back really, really hurts. It's a real thing. He just can't play baseball.”

— Warren Schaeffer, Manager, Colorado Rockies (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The Rockies will continue to monitor Bryant's progress and provide him with support as he explores treatment options for his chronic back condition. The team has already placed him on the 60-day injured list, and there are no plans for him to play this season.

The takeaway

Kris Bryant's ongoing battle with a debilitating back injury serves as a sobering reminder of the physical toll that professional sports can take on even the most talented athletes. His situation also highlights the challenges teams face when investing in long-term, high-value contracts, as the Rockies must now navigate the uncertainty of Bryant's future while still owing him $81 million over the next three years.