January 14, 2023

Colorado Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant suffered multiple injuries and played just 42 games in 2022. But when healthy, he contributed a .306/.376/.475 slash line with five home runs, 28 runs, and 14 RBI. Bryant found some luck, as expected in Colorado, with a .338 BABIP, but was right around his .335 career BABIP, and he still posted a .279 xBA and .426 xSLG. The 31-year-old didn't hit the ball very hard with an 85 MPH average exit velocity but managed a career-low 14.9% strikeout rate thanks to a 21.5% whiff rate and 24.2% chase rate. And Bryant has produced softer contact for most of his career. Since 2017, his average exit velocities have never been better than the 30th percentile. Bryant's 6.7% barrel percentage was disappointing but still around league average, and as a Rockie, his HR/FB rate won't remain below 10%. The former Rookie of the Year isn't the same hitter as he was when he won MVP in 2016, but he has evolved his game and will still be productive in batting average and power. Bryant's sprint speed was significantly worse this year and led to a goose egg in the stolen base department. However, he did deal with plantar fasciitis and should have a handful of steals next season. Bryant will contribute a little bit of everything in 2023 and bat in the heart of a competent lineup while providing at least 80 runs and RBI across a full season. There might be durability concerns, but the eight-year veteran played an entire 2021 campaign and heads into 2023 healthy. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable drafting Bryant at his 129 ADP, the 31st outfielder off the board.--Spencer Seguin