The Chicago Cubs manipulated a loophole in Kris Bryant’s contract to keep him with the organization for an extra season, but the shrewd business move came at the expense of delaying his Major League debut.
Regardless, Bryant’s first full month went as well as hoped, and it culminated in the third baseman being named the National League Rookie of the Month.
#Cubs 3B Kris Bryant named National League's Rookie of the Month for May.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) June 3, 2015
Bryant swatted seven home runs and knocked in 22 runs, posting a .265 batting average and .510 slugging percentage. He added 16 walks, three stolen bases and a 94.8 fielding percentage.
Despite wearing a golden sombrero on May 2 and starting the month 0-of-10 with five strikeouts, Bryant recovered and registered at least one hit in 21 of 25 outings. Additionally, he strung together a 12-game hit streak.
Bryant smacked career homer No. 1—a three-run blast—on May 9 during a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Bryant toppled the likes of Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Alex Guerrero and center fielder Joc Pederson for the honor.
Photo: USA Today Sports