Kris Bryant bucking strikeout trend, but is he happy about it?

CHICAGO -- His quest for perfection in the batter's box will never reach its conclusion, but that doesn't mean Cubs star Kris Bryant won't stop trying. The latest edition of his journey, which might well end up with Bryant in the Baseball Hall of Fame, features him making more contact than ever and striking out less. That's a novel concept in today's brand of major league baseball.

"It's seeing these pitchers more and me just not wanting to strike out," Bryant said recently. "I'm making a better effort and swinging at better pitches and not getting myself out."

Bryant had a rare day off on Sunday, which was followed by a day off for the entire team on Monday, so by the time he takes the field…