Cubs seem to have made the right call in dumping Kris Bryant

Since signing a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Colorado Rockies following the 2021 season, former Cubs superstar Kris Bryant has played in just 92 of a possible 242 games, battling a wide range of injuries that have sapped his power at the plate.

According to the latest reports, Bryant is trending in the right direction on his latest IL stint, advancing to taking part in baseball activities of late. A left heel bruise has kept the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year out of action since late May as the Rockies continue their free-fall in the NL West.

Even the return of a fully healthy, productive Bryant can't save Colorado in 2023 - but, still, it's safe to say ownership and fans alike were expecting more when they brought him into the fold. According to Fangraphs, Bryant has been worth just 0.3 fWAR during that stretch, batting just .283/.359/.420.

Injuries continue to keep former Cubs star Kris Bryant off the field

That line pales in comparison to what he did early on in his career with Chicago. From 2015 to 2019, Bryant slashed .284/.385/.516 - as you can see, what he's really lacked when on the field for the Rockies has been power.

When he signed with Colorado, folks wondered if he'd make a run at 50+ homers in a season given how hitter-friendly Coors Field tends to play. But he has just 10 home runs in 295 plate appearances with the Rockies. With next to no power and nagging injuries, this contract could someday rival the ones the team handed to guys like Mike Hampton, Wade Davis or Jose Reyes.

WIth holes at first and third base, I know there are more than a few Cubs fans wondering if a return tour with Bryant makes sense given how low his value surely is right now. I'm here to tell you 'no' - don't even think about it. I love KB and what he did for the franchise during its golden age, but bringing him back into the fold isn't going to happen.

Still, you hope he can get healthy and stay on the field. He's an electric player when he's at 100 percent and seeing what he could do with a full year in Colorado at his best would be something I think we'd all love to bear witness to.