Rockies' Kris Bryant Addresses Retirement Rumors Amid Injury Recovery

The former All-Star third baseman is not planning to retire despite ongoing injury issues.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Colorado Rockies third baseman Kris Bryant, who has struggled with injuries since signing a $182 million deal with the team in 2022, has addressed retirement rumors, stating that he is not planning to retire and is continuing his rehabilitation efforts to return to the field. Bryant, a former MVP and All-Star with the Chicago Cubs, has played in only 160 games over the past four seasons due to various injuries.

Why it matters

Bryant's situation highlights the challenges that professional athletes can face when dealing with chronic injuries, and the difficult decisions they must make about their futures. As a high-profile player with a lucrative contract, Bryant's continued struggles to stay healthy have been a disappointment for the Rockies and their fans, who were hoping he would help the team contend for a playoff spot.

The details

Since joining the Rockies in 2022, Bryant has played in only 160 games over the past four seasons, with his most productive year being 2023 when he posted an .851 OPS and 128 OPS+ in 42 games. However, he has struggled with a back injury that has limited his playing time, and in 2024 and 2025, he posted negative WAR numbers. Despite the ongoing issues, Bryant says he is not ready to retire and is continuing to work with the Rockies' medical staff to try to get back on the field.

  • In 2022, Bryant played in only 42 games for the Rockies.
  • In 2023, Bryant played in 80 games, posting a .680 OPS and -1.0 bWAR.
  • In 2024, Bryant played in 37 games, posting a .623 OPS and -0.7 bWAR.
  • In 2025, Bryant played in only 11 games, posting a .400 OPS and -0.5 bWAR.

The players

Kris Bryant

A former MVP and All-Star with the Chicago Cubs, Bryant signed a $182 million deal with the Colorado Rockies in 2022 but has struggled with injuries, playing in only 160 games over the past four seasons.

Nolan Arenado

A former star third baseman for the Rockies who was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021.

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What they’re saying

“Rockies Kris Bryant says the pain in his back won't let him get to baseball activities, but he continues to consult with doctors and trainers to see what can get him back to playing. He is not retiring, but sticking with rehab.”

— Kris Bryant, Colorado Rockies Third Baseman (Tomas Harding, MLB.com)

“I honestly try not to let myself get there, just because, like, when you're going through it every single day, you just try to make it day to day. I think people out there with chronic pain, you don't want to think about so far in the future, because you're trying to get through the day. So I haven't let myself get there.”

— Kris Bryant, Colorado Rockies Third Baseman (Tomas Harding, MLB.com)

What’s next

Bryant will continue to work with the Rockies' medical staff to try to rehabilitate his back injury and return to the field. The team and fans will be closely monitoring his progress as he attempts to overcome this latest setback in his career.

The takeaway

Kris Bryant's struggles with injuries since joining the Rockies serve as a sobering reminder of the physical toll that professional sports can take on even the most talented athletes. Despite his past accomplishments, Bryant's future in the game remains uncertain as he battles to regain his health and productivity.