History of Kris Bryant in Timeline
Kristopher Lee Bryant, known as "KB", is a professional baseball player currently with the Colorado Rockies. Primarily a third baseman and outfielder, he previously played for the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants. Before his MLB career, Bryant played college baseball at the University of San Diego for the Toreros. He is known for his achievements in Major League Baseball and his college career.
1945: Phil Cavarretta's Season
In 1945, Phil Cavarretta of the Cubs had a season where he recorded five hits and five RBIs in two games, a feat that Bryant matched later in his career.
1945: Cubs win National League Pennant
The Cubs won the National League pennant—for the first time since 1945—by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-games-to-2
1961: Billy Williams' Rookie Season
In 1961, Billy Williams became one of the Cubs rookies who hit two grand slams, a feat later matched by Kris Bryant.
1961: Williams' Rookie RBI Record
In 1961, Billy Williams set a Cubs' franchise single-season RBI record for rookies, which Kris Bryant tied in 2015 before breaking it later in the same season.
1975: Lynn Wins Rookie of the Year and MVP
Fred Lynn won both the Rookie of the Year Award and the MVP Award in 1975, a feat Kris Bryant later accomplished.
1982: Ripken Jr. Wins Rookie of the Year and MVP
Cal Ripken Jr. won both the Rookie of the Year Award and the MVP Award in 1982 and 1983 respectively, a feat Kris Bryant later accomplished.
January 4, 1992: Kristopher Lee Bryant Born
On January 4, 1992, Kristopher Lee Bryant, later nicknamed "KB", was born. He would grow to become a professional baseball third baseman and outfielder.
2001: Suzuki Wins Rookie of the Year and MVP
Ichiro Suzuki won both the Rookie of the Year Award and the MVP Award in 2001, a feat Kris Bryant later accomplished.
2001: Pujols' Rookie RBI Record
In 2001, Albert Pujols set a high standard for rookie RBIs with 130 for the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2015, Kris Bryant achieved 99 RBIs, the most for a rookie since Pujols's performance.
2005: Howard Wins Rookie of the Year and MVP
Ryan Howard won both the Rookie of the Year Award and the MVP Award in 2005 and 2006 respectively, a feat Kris Bryant later accomplished.
2007: Pedroia Wins Rookie of the Year and MVP
Dustin Pedroia won both the Rookie of the Year Award and the MVP Award in 2007 and 2008 respectively, a feat Kris Bryant later accomplished.
2008: Soto Ties Rookie RBI Record
In 2008, Geovany Soto tied Williams's 1961 rookie RBI record, which Kris Bryant later equaled in the 2015 MLB season.
2008: Howard's Previous Arbitration Record
In 2008, Ryan Howard signed a $10 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, which was the record for a player in his first year of salary arbitration before Kris Bryant surpassed it in 2018.
2010: All-USA Baseball First Team
In 2010, USA Today named Kris Bryant to their All-USA baseball first-team. He was also drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th round of the 2010 MLB draft, but did not sign.
2011: Bryant becomes heavily involved in Wings for Life Foundation
In 2011, Kris Bryant became heavily involved in the Wings for Life Foundation, a non-profit organization that specializes in spinal cord research, after his friend Cory Hahn was paralyzed.
2011: Freshman All-American and WCC Honors
In 2011, as a freshman at the University of San Diego, Kris Bryant was named a freshman All-American by Louisville Slugger and the West Coast Conference (WCC) Co-Freshman of the Year and Co-Player of the Year, sharing both honors with Marco Gonzales.
2011: NCAA Switch to BBCOR composite bat
In 2011, the NCAA switched to a BBCOR composite bat, impacting college baseball performance. In 2013 Kris Bryant had the most home runs hit by a college player since the NCAA switched to a BBCOR composite bat in 2011.
2012: All-American Honors in College
In 2012, Kris Bryant was named an All-American while playing college baseball.
2012: First Team All-WCC and All-American
In 2012, Kris Bryant was named first team All-WCC and a first-team All-American by Baseball America.
2013: Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy
During the 2013 season as a junior, Kris Bryant won the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy, both awarded to the top collegiate player in the nation. He also had 31 home runs to lead the nation.
2013: Considered Top Pick in MLB Draft
In 2013, Kris Bryant was considered to be one of the best available players in the Major League Baseball draft.
2013: Dick Howser Trophy and Golden Spikes Award
In 2013, Kris Bryant won both the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award. The Cubs drafted him with the second overall selection in the 2013 MLB draft.
2014: Minor League Success and Awards
In 2014, Kris Bryant started with the Tennessee Smokies, won the Home Run Derby, was promoted to the Iowa Cubs, and won the Joe Bauman Home Run Award. He was also named the USA Today Minor League Player of the Year and Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year.
2014: Minor League Player of the Year Awards
In 2014, Kris Bryant was named the USA Today Minor League Player of the Year and Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year, marking a significant step in his early professional career.
2014: Trout's Previous Record Salary
In 2014, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels earned $1 million, which was the record salary for a pre-arbitration player before Kris Bryant surpassed it in 2017.
April 17, 2015: Major League Debut
On April 17, 2015, Kris Bryant was called up to the majors by the Cubs and made his debut at Wrigley Field.
May 2015: Bryant and Harper meet in the Major Leagues
In May 2015, Kris Bryant and Bryce Harper, who grew up playing baseball together, greeted each other in the Major Leagues during a series against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field.
December 2015: Bryant proposes to Jessica Delp
In December 2015, Kris Bryant proposed to his long-time girlfriend Jessica Delp, whom he had been dating since they were 14.
2015: Bryant Files Grievance Against Cubs
After the 2015 season, Kris Bryant filed a grievance against the Cubs, accusing them of service time manipulation by delaying his call-up to the majors to delay his free agency.
2015: Best-Selling Jersey and Season Stats
During the 2015 regular season, Kris Bryant had the best-selling jersey in baseball. He batted .275 with 26 home runs and 99 RBIs in 151 games.
2015: Top Prospect Ranking
In 2015, Baseball America named Kris Bryant the No. 1 prospect, highlighting his potential in Major League Baseball.
2015: Longest Home Run and RBI Record
In 2015, Kris Bryant hit a 495-foot home run, the longest of the MLB season, and tied the Cubs' franchise single-season RBI record for rookies. Later, on September 11, he broke the record with a double.
2015: MLB Debut and Rookie of the Year Award
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, marking a successful entry into professional baseball.
2015: Bryant donates Rookie Award money to Wounded Warrior Project
In 2015, Kris Bryant was awarded the 2015 NL Outstanding Rookie from the Player Choice Awards and donated the $20,000 prize to the Wounded Warrior Project.
2015: Spring Training Performance and Service Time Controversy
In 2015, despite a strong spring training performance, the Cubs sent Kris Bryant back down to Iowa, leading to controversy over service-time rules.
2015: Cubs Clinch Wild Card Spot
In 2015, the Cubs finished the season with a 97–65 record, clinching a Wild Card spot in the MLB postseason, marking their first playoff berth in seven years. Bryant was named the Baseball America Rookie of the Year for the 2015 season. He was voted the "Esurance MLB Awards" Best Rookie and won the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award for the National League. Bryant was also the unanimous winner of the Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year Award and named the "Players Choice Awards" National League Outstanding Rookie.
June 27, 2016: Bryant's Historic Performance Against Reds
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 against the Cincinnati Reds. He went 5-for-5 with 16 total bases in the 11–8 win.
2016: World Series Championship and MVP Award
In 2016, Kris Bryant was again named an All-Star, won a World Series championship with the Cubs, and was named the NL's Most Valuable Player, solidifying his status as a top player.
2016: Cubs Win World Series
In 2016, the Cubs won the National League Central division title and later the World Series, ending a 108-year drought. Kris Bryant played a crucial role in the postseason, hitting for a .308 average with three home runs and eight RBIs. He fielded the last ball of the 2016 season.
2016: Bryant Wins MVP Award
Kris Bryant concluded the 2016 season by winning the National League Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) in his second year in the major leagues. He also won the Hank Aaron Award as the National League's most outstanding hitter.
January 7, 2017: Bryant marries Jessica Delp
On January 7, 2017, Kris Bryant married Jessica Delp, with his teammate Anthony Rizzo as one of the groomsmen.
April 2017: Grievance Hearing Delayed
As of April 2017, Kris Bryant's grievance against the Cubs regarding service time manipulation had yet to reach a hearing.
2017: Bryant's Record Contract
Before the 2017 season, Kris Bryant and the Cubs agreed to a $1.05 million contract, setting a new record salary for a pre-arbitration player.
2017: Bryant promotes Wings for Life Foundation on Players Weekend
During Players Weekend in 2017, Kris Bryant wore three different cleats to promote the Wings for Life Foundation, which supports spinal cord research.
2017: Bryant and Harper help Las Vegas shooting victims
In 2017, Kris Bryant and Bryce Harper teamed up to assist victims of the Las Vegas shooting, encouraging donations to help with relief efforts.
2018: Bryant's Salary Arbitration and Injury
In 2018, Kris Bryant and the Cubs agreed to a $10.85 million salary, breaking the record for a player in his first year of salary arbitration. He was placed on the disabled list twice due to left shoulder inflammation. He hit his 100th home run on May 9th.
January 2020: Arbitrator Rules Against Bryant
In January 2020, the arbitrator ruled against Kris Bryant in his grievance against the Cubs regarding service time manipulation.
April 2020: Bryant's first son is born
In April 2020, Kris Bryant and his wife Jessica Delp welcomed their first son.
July 30, 2021: Cubs trade Kris Bryant to Giants
On July 30, 2021, the Cubs traded Kris Bryant to the San Francisco Giants for prospects Alexander Canario and Caleb Kilian.
2021: Traded to the Giants
In 2021, Kris Bryant was traded by the Cubs to the San Francisco Giants, marking a change in his MLB career.
March 18, 2022: Bryant signs with Colorado Rockies
On March 18, 2022, Kris Bryant signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Colorado Rockies, including a full no-trade clause. He was announced as the starting left fielder.
July 11, 2022: Bryant welcomes twin sons
On July 11, 2022, Kris Bryant and his wife Jessica Delp welcomed twin sons.
2022: Signed with the Rockies
Prior to the 2022 season, Kris Bryant signed a seven-year contract with the Colorado Rockies, starting a new chapter in his professional career.
2024: Bryant expresses regret over signing with Rockies
Before the 2024 MLB season, Kris Bryant told The Athletic that he regretted not taking more time to evaluate the Rockies' prospects and their inability to compete before signing his seven-year contract.
