Player Spotlight: KRIS BRYANT

Although Kris Bryant has done more than simply record the final out in the Cubs' historic World Series championship in 2016, his throw to first and immediate celebration will forever be the image remembered by Cubs fans across the country.

Bryant has been a star, virtually since he took his first swings for the Cubs at the major league level. Learn more about who Kris Bryant really is and the difference he makes for the home team, and when you're ready to cheer on the Cubbies in person, shop for Kris Bryant merchandise, including the 2018 home whites at Sports World Chicago.

Las Vegas Beginnings

Las Vegas is known as sort of an oasis of baseball, so it's not surprising that after Kris Bryant was born there in 1992, he became close with two players who would also go on to be highly touted major leaguers — Joey Gallo and Bryce Harper.

It's no surprise, then, that the competition between the three future sluggers would push Bryant to be the star of his high school team, Bonanza, in Las Vegas. He compiled stats that would be considered "video game" numbers — a batting average over .415 and almost 50 career home runs — and was named an All-American by USA Today and was drafted in the 18th round of the 2010 draft by the Blue Jays. Instead of going straight into the majors, he played 3 seasons at the University of San Diego.

By his junior year of college, Bryant was considered the best player in the nation by several publications. He won numerous awards and hit the highest home run total since college baseball stopped using aluminum bats. He was unanimously expected to go in the top 3 picks of the 2013 draft, as he was scouted heavily by the Astros and Rockies, who had the 1st and 3rd picks, respectively. Instead, he was chosen 2nd overall by your Chicago Cubs.

Making a Quick Impression

After spending a few years as a Cubs farmhand, Bryant quickly made himself a reputation, resulting in being named the top prospect in the country by Baseball America in 2015.

He received his Cubs debut that season, and it didn't take long for him to make an impression. He won the 2015 Rookie of the Year Award, part of a young core that galvanized during the 2015 season and blossomed in 2016, becoming one of the catalysts for that year's improbable run to the top of the league. When the Cubs finally broke their title drought, they were spurred on by Kris Bryant, the 2016 NL MVP.

Progress Report

As the 2018 season comes to a close, the Cubs have overcome a slow start to lead the NL Central as the regular season comes to a close. Kris Bryant has, unfortunately, had a rough season by his standards, namely because he's missed significant time with inflammation in his shoulder, but when healthy, he's contributed to the team's lofty success as he has since he first entered the league. With a respectable .276 batting average, Bryant hasn't been the star he's been in the past but is still the consistent producer day-in and day-out that the Cubs' faithful fanbase expects from him.

Looking to show your support for Kris Bryant's efforts both now and in the past? Sports World Chicago is one of the only retailers to carry the official replica of "KB"'s player's weekend jersey, as well as signed portraits, bobbleheads, and more.