With the No. 2 pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs selected Kris Bryant. It was one of the best days in Cubs history as the future star was expected to be one of the best players in baseball.
Bryant had all the tools coming out of the draft.
He was an elite hitter and that allowed him to make an impact in Chicago early in his career. The then 23-year-old made his debut in 2015 against the San Diego Padres.
Prior to his debut, there was a billboard near Wrigley Field with a photo of Bryant that read "Worth the wait."
It was a sign of promise to a city that was begging for their beloved Cubs to finally give them some hope.
However, Bryant said that when he looks back at it, he wishes the billboard was never there. The former MVP had the following to say, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic:
"I didn't know that (billboard) was going to be up there. But if I did, I probably would have been like, 'Let's not do that. Let me just go out there and play ball and let me be who I am.'"
As he matures, Bryant likely has a different view on things.
It's understandable why the former franchise cornerstone feels this way about the billboard and the expectations placed upon him.
Playing in Chicago, especially for the Cubs, isn't an easy task.
While the organization hasn't had the most success ever, the city expects the most from all its players.
If they don't perform, fans will let them know.
Bryant, however, didn't have to worry about that much. He was a steady All-Star caliber player dure his tenure.
Despite not being with the team anymore, Bryant will always be remembered as one of the best players in franchise history.
No amount of time or anything else will ever change that.
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