Bryant’s signing is cited as an emblem of Schmidt-era missteps. The next leadership should emphasize roster balance and value-based acquisitions over big-ticket commitments that don’t yield proportional development or depth.

<p>Kris Bryant, the marquee free-agent signing during Schmidt’s tenure, played just 11 games in Colorado amid back issues, offering little return on a $182 million commitment and highlighting the difficulty of attracting established stars to a rebuild.</p>

Bryant's injury-plagued Rockies tenure highlights the risks of high-dollar long-term deals and the broader franchise evaluation of player contracts and durability within Colorado’s rebuilding arc.

Bryant’s seven-year, $182 million deal has aged poorly, leaving the Rockies with negative value around his name and a back condition threatening his field time. His saga is emblematic of the franchise's missteps in free agency and the ongoing rebuild.

Bryant’s seven-year, $182M Rockies deal stood as the era’s marquee move, but health and production stalled. He contributed limited games and a negative rWAR, while the club remains obligated for $27M in 2026-28. The signing became the symbol of Schmidt’s risk-reward free-agent strategy.