Blue Jays: Last offseason interests and how they are doing so far this year

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers drives in a run with a double in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 23, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers drives in a run with a double in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 23, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
14 of 15
Next
Blue Jays
DENVER, CO – MAY 01: Kris Bryant #23 of the Colorado Rockies poses for a portrait at Coors Field on May 1, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images) /

Kris Bryant

Signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Colorado Rockies

Drafted by the Blue Jays in the 18th round back in 2010, Kris Bryant and the Jays knew the top-ranked prep-star would be heading to college unless he was drafted in the higher rounds, and thus the two sides never agreed on a deal (or really spoke to each other for the matter).

He eventually went second overall a few years later to the Chicago Cubs and became a household name, earning the 2015 Rookie of the Year award, 2016 MVP award, and a World Series ring while breaking the Cubs championship curse at the same time. In Chicago, Bryant earned a .886 OPS with 160 home runs, 465 RBI, and a .508 slugging percentage before being traded at the 2021 deadline to the San Francisco Giants.

Bryant was one of the more tempting options for teams this past offseason, as he had the pedigree, was able to play both the infield and corner outfield positions, and was also not attached to a qualifying offer after being traded midway through the previous season. While the Jays were reportedly interested in the former Cubs star, Bryant surprised quite a few around the league when he agreed to a long-term deal with the Colorado Rockies, an organization that recently traded superstar Nolan Arenado after he agreed to a long-term deal back in 2019 in what is arguably one of the most one-sided trades in recent history (not for the Rockies).

In 2022, Bryant is not off to a great start with his new club, as the former top prospect has only suited up in 17 games due to various injuries and recently went back to the IL due to a back strain. Through 63 at-bats, the former MVP has zero home runs, four doubles, and four RBI while sporting a .676 OPS with 15 strikeouts while in left field for the Rockies.