Once a golden boy of Wrigleyville and a key piece of the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series run, Kris Bryant now faces a far more personal battle—one not fought with a bat, but within his own body. The former NL MVP has been diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disc disease, a painful spinal condition that has threatened not only his playing career but the very rhythm of his daily life.
“Some mornings, I can’t even move,” Bryant revealed. “It just wears on me—physically and mentally.”
Since signing a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Colorado Rockies in 2022, Bryant has spent more time battling pain than swinging for the fences. With nine stints on the injured list, the former All-Star has struggled to regain his form, his numbers a shadow of the superstar Chicago once knew.
Doctors diagnosed him with a degenerative disc issue—meaning the cushioning between his spinal vertebrae is breaking down. The symptoms? Chronic pain, numbness, even nausea. The damage is irreversible.
In May 2025, Bryant underwent a minimally invasive nerve ablation procedure in Santa Monica to block the nerve signals causing the worst of his pain. While the surgery went well, it’s a temporary fix.
“It felt like someone stabbed me in the back,” Bryant said of the recovery. “But I’m still in good spirits.”
His path forward isn’t guaranteed. If the pain persists, doctors may recommend spinal fusion surgery—a more invasive procedure that could end his baseball career entirely.
Amidst the pain and uncertainty, one rumor has reignited hope among fans: Bryant is reportedly open to returning to Chicago, the city that gave him his biggest baseball memories and, as he’s said, “the best years of my life.” While no official discussions have surfaced, the possibility of a final chapter in Cubbie blue has sparked emotional reactions across social media.
“I want to explore all my options,” Bryant admitted. “If I can come back… I want to come back somewhere that feels like home.”
While injuries have slowed his journey, Bryant’s legacy in Chicago remains untarnished. Fans remember the thunderous home runs, the poise under pressure, and the image of him smiling through champagne after breaking a 108-year curse.
And now, they see something more: a man refusing to surrender—not to pain, not to doubt, and not to the cruel twist of fate that has altered his path.
The answer remains unclear. Physical therapy has begun. Surgery looms. His family and trainers are hopeful, but Bryant knows the clock is ticking.
“Baseball’s always taught me to fight. That hasn’t changed,” he said. “This just might be the toughest fight yet.”
Whatever comes next, Kris Bryant’s story is no longer just about stats. It’s about courage, resilience, and the long road home — perhaps to the Cubs, and certainly to himself.