Kris Bryant, the former National League MVP and Colorado Rockies third baseman, has spoken openly about his serious back condition, saying the daily pain has become so severe that even simple tasks can feel impossible.
The 34-year-old is currently on the 60-day injured list, and his comments have raised fresh doubts over whether he will ever return to full-time Major League Baseball action.
Bryant made the remarks during spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona, as he continues to work with doctors and the Rockies’ medical staff to find a solution.
His condition has already kept him out of action for long stretches over the last few seasons, and the latest update suggests the problem is far from improving.
What Injury Is Kris Bryant Dealing With Right Now?
Bryant is suffering from a degenerative back condition affecting his lower spine, often described as lumbar disc disease.
Unlike a one-off injury, this type of condition usually worsens over time and can cause constant pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
For a professional baseball player, that can be career-threatening. The sport requires explosive movement, repeated twisting, sprinting, and sudden changes of direction, all actions that put heavy strain on the lower back.
Bryant’s condition has reached a stage where normal movement appears difficult, not just playing sport at an elite level.
How Bad Is the Pain for Kris Bryant Day to Day?
Bryant described his pain in stark terms, explaining that everyday activities have become a struggle. “Any time my feet hit the ground, I feel like I could probably fall over.”
Kris Bryant says he wakes up every day in pain 💔pic.twitter.com/3O8XoOPNGC
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) February 17, 2026
He also described moments where pain spreads through his body in a way that feels shocking and overwhelming, comparing it to being electrocuted.
Bryant said he wakes up in pain daily and admitted the experience has been miserable, both physically and mentally.
Why Has Kris Bryant Played So Little for the Rockies?
Since joining the Colorado Rockies on a long-term contract ahead of the 2022 season, Bryant has spent most of his time injured. He has faced repeated setbacks, including multiple stints on the injured list.
Across four seasons, he has played only a fraction of the games expected from a player on such a major deal. His time in Colorado has also seen a sharp decline in his batting output compared to his earlier years.
That drop has fuelled debate in the baseball world over whether the Rockies will ever see a full season from him.
What Did the Rockies Say About Bryant’s Ability to Return?
The Rockies’ manager made it clear the club supports Bryant but admitted the team must prepare for the possibility that he may not be able to play again anytime soon. “We have to prepare like he’s not going to play.”
“Everybody in our clubhouse is going to support Kris Bryant.”#Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer speaks on Kris Bryant and his injury struggles ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZYmh1TVmUJ
— Eli Whitney (@eliwhtney17) February 18, 2026
That statement signals a grim reality: even the Rockies are planning for life without Bryant as a regular option.
Why Is Kris Bryant’s Situation So Significant in MLB?
Bryant’s story stands out because of how high his career once climbed.
He won Rookie of the Year in 2015 and was named National League MVP in 2016. That same year, he helped the Chicago Cubs win their first World Series title in 108 years, a moment still regarded as one of the biggest sporting events of the modern baseball era.
At that point, Bryant looked like a future Hall of Fame-level player. Instead, injuries, particularly his back, have derailed what should have been the peak years of his career.
Is Kris Bryant Considering Retirement?
Bryant has not confirmed any retirement plans, but he has admitted he is thinking about his long-term health and what it means to live with a condition like this beyond sport.
He also stressed that he is focusing on recovery and wants to avoid speaking too far ahead. For now, he appears determined to explore every option before making any final decision about walking away.
