How quickly we forget that Kris Bryant has a Rookie of the Year Award, MVP and World Series title on his résumé.
Following the Cubs' first spring training game on Saturday, Bryant admitted that he felt slighted last season after being criticized for struggling offensively while dealing with a shoulder injury.
"Definitely, a little bit, but boy, it was great," Bryant said following a 2-for-2 game in which he hit a home run. "You know, when you're not playing, you have a whole lot of time to kind of just sit there and either go through a Twitter rabbit hole or whatever, you start seeing things about yourself."
Bryant played in just 102 games last season after injuring his shoulder sliding into a base. While he finished the season with a respectable .272/.374/.460 slash line, he hit just 13 home runs and posted a .242/.33/.374 slash line in his last 30 games.
Bryant's name even popped up in popped up in at least one trade rumor this offseason. What's his message for anyone still doubting him?
"And seeing things saying 'Trade him' and this and that. And I'm like, 'Alright.' I'm motivated," he said. "Keep them coming. Bring it.
MLB
"And last year, I didn't really do anything. And, sure, it was warranted, but boy did it motivate me this year. I'm excited."
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