Baseball America Name San Diego’s Kris Bryant College Player of the Year

Credit: Jeff Poirier

Today, Aaron Fit from Baseball America wrote a great article on San Diego third baseman Kris Bryant, who subsequently was the college baseball player of the year by the same website. Bryant’s season may be over from a playing standpoint, but it has just begun when it comes to racking up awards and accolades. Bryant had a batting average of .329, and hit 31 home runs this season, which is more than the combined totals of 226 different teams. His elite power was put on display throughout the entire year, and he was rewarded for his successful season.

The article highlighted a lot of different aspects of Bryant’s game that didn’t include his power hitting ability, like his rich character and his solid defensive play at third base.

"“I think he hit two triples to right field, a couple walks, played unbelievable defense. And all that’s great, but what really separated him was his character and makeup. It’s the total package, that kind of ability with unbelievable work ethic, unbelievable intelligence.”"

Fit also touched on the only real question in Bryant’s future currently: Will Bryant play third base or outfield in the big leagues? This article talked about the positives of this, rather than dwelling on the negatives.

"“Hill used to say that he thinks Bryant has Gold Glove right fielder written all over him, but the more Bryant improves at the hot corner, the better his chances to stay at third base look.”"

This is a fantastic piece, and is very enlightening on the great season that Kris Bryant has had, and what his future might hold. Check it out here.

In addition to being named as the college baseball player of the year today, Bryant was also named as the third baseman on the first team Baseball America’s all-american squad. Marco Gonzales from Gonzaga was named to the second team as the utility player.

Those teams can be seen here