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Scottsdale, Ariz. — Kris Bryant launched his first home run of the spring on Tuesday at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, a welcome sight for the Colorado Rockies and their hopes for what he could bring to the team in 2025.
Facing off against Chicago White Sox pitcher Jairo Iriarte, Bryant powered a 1-0 pitch (what he later called an inside sinker) well over the left-center field wall to give the Rockies a 2-0 fourth-inning lead.
Serving as Colorado’s designated hitter on Tuesday, Bryant went 1-for-2. Tuesday’s home run was also his first hit of the spring to go along with a pair of walks he drew in his first 2025 action against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday.
After playing in just 37 games last season with back and rib issues, the Rockies and Bryant worked together on a new training regimen this offseason that they hope will keep the four-time All-Star on the field. Since signing a seven-year, $182M deal with the Rockies before the 2022 campaign, Bryant has played in just 159 games over his three seasons in Colorado, with his 80 games in 2023 being the most with the franchise.
“Honestly, it’s just a matter of sticking with it and continuing with it, and obviously not having any hiccups throughout the year,” Bryant said. “That would be very huge for me, because I can just kind of continue what I did in the offseason through the season and hopefully get good results on top of it.”
Through his first two spring games, Bryant said he feels like he is “in a really good spot.” That is welcome news for the Rockies, a team that needs an offensive boost in 2025 after setting franchise lows last season in batting average (.242), on-base percentage (.304) and OPS (.704) on its way to its second consecutive 100-loss campaign.
The 33-year-old Bryant is expected to serve as Colorado’s primary designated hitter this season, with some potential for time in the outfield when the Rockies are on the road.
All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
