(Audacy) Kris Bryant’s short-term stay in San Francisco is over.
After joining the Giants from the Cubs at the trade deadline last July and helping them win a franchise-record 107 games in the regular season, Bryant has agreed to a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Colorado Rockies, according to Audacy insider Jon Heyman and other reports.
Bryant, 30, was one of the most coveted players remaining on the free-agent market, and he comes at a sizable price tag for the Rockies. A four-time All-Star, Bryant became a fan favorite during his six-plus seasons with the Cubs, helping the franchise win the World Series in 2016 with his MVP campaign. Sensing they weren't going to agree to a long-term contract with him, the Cubs traded Bryant amid a large sale of core players who were headed for free agency, obtaining a big prospect haul in return.
In 144 contests last season, Bryant slashed .265/.353/.481 with 25 homers, 73 RBIs and a .835 OPS. He drew 62 walks, struck out 135 times and had a 124 OPS+. Bryant also offers defensive versatility, as he can play the outfield or the corner infield positions. Now that the National League has a designated hitter, he could also settle into that role as the contract winds down.
Other former Giants to sign elsewhere recently include outfielder Alex Dickerson (Atlanta Braves) and infielder Donovan Solano (Cincinnati Reds). San Francisco also lost out to the Chicago Cubs in the Seiya Suzuki sweepstakes, so the Giants are likely still in the market for a right-handed bat.