Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kris Bryant

How Kris Bryant built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kris Bryant, nicknamed "KB", is an American professional baseball third baseman and outfielder currently playing for the Colorado Rockies in MLB. He previously played for the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants. Bryant played college baseball at the University of San Diego for the Toreros before beginning his professional career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1945: First time since 1945

In 2016, the Cubs won the National League pennant for the first time since 1945.

1945: Second Player in Major League History

On August 18, 2016, Kris Bryant became the second player in major league history to record five hits and five RBIs in two games in one season, joining 1945 MVP Phil Cavarretta of the Cubs.

1961: Second Cubs rookie to hit two grand slams

In a July 4 game against the Miami Marlins, Bryant hit his second grand slam of the season off Jarred Cosart. This made him the second Cubs rookie to hit two grand slams since Billy Williams in 1961.

1961: Tied Williams for the Cubs' franchise single-season RBI record

On September 6, 2015, Kris Bryant tied Williams(1961) and Geovany Soto(2008), for the Cubs' franchise single-season RBI record for rookies with 86.

2001: Most RBIs for a rookie since Albert Pujols

In 2015, Bryant's 99 RBIs were the most for a rookie since Albert Pujols's 130 for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001.

2008: First Cub to earn Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award since Soto

In 2015, Kris Bryant became the first Cub to earn the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award for the National League since Geovany Soto in 2008.

2008: Tied Soto for the Cubs' franchise single-season RBI record

On September 6, 2015, Kris Bryant tied Williams(1961) and Geovany Soto(2008), for the Cubs' franchise single-season RBI record for rookies with 86.

2010: All-USA baseball first-team

In 2010, USA Today named Kris Bryant to their All-USA baseball first-team. The Toronto Blue Jays selected him in the 18th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign.

2013: Considered one of the best available players

In 2013, Kris Bryant was considered to be one of the best available players in the Major League Baseball draft. He believed he would be chosen by the Colorado Rockies.

2013: Dick Howser Trophy and Golden Spikes Award

In 2013, Kris Bryant won the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award. The Cubs also selected him with the second overall selection in the 2013 MLB draft.

April 17, 2015: Called up to the Majors

On April 17, 2015, Kris Bryant was called up to the majors by the Cubs and made his debut at Wrigley Field.

2015: Donation to Wounded Warrior Project

In 2015, Bryant was awarded 2015 NL Outstanding Rookie from the Player Choice Awards. He chose to send the $20,000 from the Major League Baseball Players Trust to the Wounded Warrior Project.

2015: MLB Debut and Rookie of the Year

In 2015, Kris Bryant made his major league debut, was named an MLB All-Star, and won the National League's (NL) Rookie of the Year Award.

2015: Rookie of the Year Awards

In 2015, Kris Bryant was named the Baseball America Rookie of the Year, "Esurance MLB Awards" Best Rookie, Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award for the National League, and Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year Award. He was also named as the "Players Choice Awards" National League Outstanding Rookie.

2015: Spring Training Invitation and Sent to Iowa

In 2015, despite hitting nine home runs in spring training, Kris Bryant was sent back down to Iowa, leading to controversy over service-time rules.

2015: Longest Home Run of the Season

On September 6, 2015, Kris Bryant hit a 495-foot home run, the longest of the 2015 MLB season. He also tied and broke the Cubs' franchise single-season RBI record for rookies.

June 27, 2016: Three home runs and two doubles in the same game

On June 27, 2016, Kris Bryant became the first MLB player in modern history to hit three home runs and two doubles in the same game.

2016: National League MVP Award

In 2016, Bryant won the National League Most Valuable Player Award (MVP), becoming the first player to win a Golden Spikes Award, a Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award, a Rookie of the Year Award, and a Most Valuable Player Award in successive seasons. He also won the Hank Aaron Award.

2016: World Series Champion

In 2016, Kris Bryant and the Cubs won the World Series, ending a 108-year drought. Bryant fielded the last ball of the season.

2016: All-Star, World Series Champion, and MVP

In 2016, Kris Bryant was named an All-Star, won a World Series championship with the Cubs, and was named the NL's Most Valuable Player.

2017: Promotion of Wings for Life Foundation

During Players Weekend in 2017, Bryant wore cleats promoting the Wings for Life Foundation, which specializes in spinal cord research.

2017: Contract Agreement with the Cubs

In 2017, Bryant agreed to a $1.05 million contract with the Cubs, setting a new record salary for a pre-arbitration player.

2017: Las Vegas Relief Efforts

In 2017, Bryant and Bryce Harper helped their hometown of Las Vegas in relief efforts after a shooting at a music concert, encouraging people to donate.

2017: 2017 Season Highlights

In 2017, Bryant finished second in fan voting for the All-Star Game. On July 25, Bryant was ejected for the first time in his major league career. He chose to wear "KB" on his jersey for Players Weekend. The Cubs won their second consecutive Central Division title and reached the postseason, defeating the Washington Nationals in the NLDS but losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

2018: $10.85 Million Salary Agreement

In 2018, Bryant agreed to a $10.85 million salary with the Cubs, breaking the record for a player in his first year of salary arbitration. On May 9, Bryant hit his 100th home run against the Miami Marlins. On June 26, he was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his MLB career due to left shoulder inflammation. He went back on the disabled list on July 26 due to inflammation on the same shoulder.

2019: End of Season Stats

In 2019, Bryant finished the season with a .282 batting average, 31 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 108 runs scored. He also had the lowest fielding percentage among major league third basemen at .947.

2019: Improved Performance in Mid-Season

In 2019, Bryant had a slow start but improved significantly by mid-May. He hit seven home runs over fifteen games, including a walk-off home run against the Miami Marlins on May 7. On May 18, Bryant hit three home runs in three consecutive innings against the Washington Nationals.

2020: 2020 Season Performance

In the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season, Bryant batted .206 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 34 games.

July 30, 2021: Trade to the San Francisco Giants

On July 30, 2021, the Cubs traded Bryant to the San Francisco Giants for prospects Alexander Canario and Caleb Kilian.

2021: Traded to the Giants

In 2021, Kris Bryant was traded to the San Francisco Giants.

2021: Versatile Roles and All-Star Selection

In the 2021 season, Bryant played multiple positions for the Cubs, including first base, outfield, and third base. He was selected as an All-Star.

March 18, 2022: Signing with the Colorado Rockies

On March 18, 2022, Bryant signed a seven-year contract worth $182 million with the Colorado Rockies. He was announced as the club's starting left fielder.