History of Kris Bryant in Timeline

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.

1975: Fred Lynn wins Rookie of the Year and MVP

In 1975, Fred Lynn was the first player in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP within his first two seasons. Kris Bryant would later join him in this accomplishment.

1982: Cal Ripken Jr.'s Rookie of the Year and MVP seasons

In 1982-1983, Cal Ripken Jr. won Rookie of the Year and MVP within his first two seasons, a feat that Kris Bryant would later emulate.

January 4, 1992: Kristopher Lee Bryant Born

On January 4, 1992, Kristopher Lee Bryant, nicknamed "KB", was born. He is an American professional baseball third baseman and outfielder.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Ichiro Suzuki wins Rookie of the Year and MVP

In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki won Rookie of the Year and MVP within his first two seasons, an accomplishment later matched by Kris Bryant.

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.

2005: Ryan Howard wins Rookie of the Year and MVP

In 2005-2006, Ryan Howard won Rookie of the Year and MVP within his first two seasons, a milestone Kris Bryant later achieved.

2007: Dustin Pedroia wins Rookie of the Year and MVP

In 2007-2008, Dustin Pedroia won Rookie of the Year and MVP within his first two seasons, a feat that Kris Bryant later accomplished.

2008: Ryan Howard's Previous Arbitration Record

In 2008, Ryan Howard previously held the record for a player in his first year of salary arbitration with a $10 million contract. Bryant broke this record in 2018.

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.

2011: Named Freshman All-American

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.

2011: NCAA switched to a BBCOR composite bat

In the 2013 season as a junior, Bryant had the most home runs hit by a college player since the NCAA switched to a BBCOR composite bat in 2011.

2011: Involvement with Wings for Life Foundation

Since 2011, Bryant has been involved with the Wings for Life Foundation after his friend Cory Hahn was paralyzed.

2012: Named an All-American

In 2012, Kris Bryant was named an All-American for his performance in college baseball.

2012: Named First Team All-WCC and All-American

In 2012, as a sophomore, Kris Bryant was named first team All-WCC and a first-team All-American by Baseball America. He was also selected by USA Baseball to play for the United States collegiate national team that summer.

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.

2013: Won Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy

In the 2013 season as a junior, Kris Bryant won the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy. He was also named a Louisville Slugger First Team All-American, the Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year, and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Player of the Year.

2014: Minor League Player of the Year

In 2014, Kris Bryant was named the USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award and Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award.

2014: Mike Trout's previous record salary

In 2014, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels held the previous record for a pre-arbitration player salary at $1 million. Kris Bryant surpassed this record in 2017.

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.

May 2015: Reunion with Bryce Harper in the Major Leagues

In May 2015, Bryant and Bryce Harper, who grew up playing baseball together, greeted each other for the first time in the Major Leagues during a series against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field.

December 2015: Proposal to Jessica Delp

In December 2015, Bryant proposed to his long-time girlfriend Jessica Delp, whom he had been dating since they were 14.

2015: Best-selling jersey in baseball

According to sales on Major League Baseball's official website, Kris Bryant had the best-selling jersey in all of baseball during the 2015 regular season.

2015: Filed a grievance against the Cubs

After the 2015 season, Kris Bryant filed a grievance against the Cubs, accusing the team of service time manipulation.

2015: Ranked Top Prospect

In 2015, Baseball America named Kris Bryant the No. 1 prospect.

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.

January 7, 2017: Wedding to Jessica Delp

On January 7, 2017, Bryant married his long-time girlfriend Jessica Delp, with Anthony Rizzo as one of the groomsmen.

April 2017: Grievance had yet to reach a hearing

As of April 2017, Kris Bryant's grievance against the Cubs for service time manipulation had yet to reach a hearing.

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.

January 2020: Arbitrator ruled against Bryant

In January 2020, the arbitrator ruled against Kris Bryant in his grievance against the Cubs.

April 2020: Birth of Son

In April 2020, Bryant and his wife Jessica Delp welcomed a son into their family.

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.

July 11, 2022: Birth of Twin Sons

On July 11, 2022, Bryant and his wife Jessica Delp welcomed twin boys into their family.

2022: Injury-Plagued Season

In 2022, Bryant played only 42 games due to back issues, plantar fasciitis, and a bone bruise in his right foot.

2022: Signed with the Rockies

Prior to the 2022 season, Kris Bryant signed a seven-year contract with the Colorado Rockies.

2023: Season Hampered by Injuries

In 2023, Bryant played in only 80 games due to heel issues and a broken finger from a Johnny Cueto pitch.

2024: Regret Over Contract Evaluation

Before the 2024 MLB season, Bryant expressed to The Athletic that he regretted not taking more time to evaluate the Rockies' prospects and their near-term ability to compete before signing his contract.

2024: Continued Injuries and Limited Play

In 2024, Bryant played in 13 games before going on the injured list with a low back strain. He was activated from the injured list on May 21, after missing 31 games, and played until June 2 before being put onto the injured list again on June 6 with a lower rib contusion.