Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant: The Next Manning-Brady?

Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant are two of the best young third basemen in the game today. They’re also two names that seem to be linked together in not only conversations about who is “the best” but also the stats that go a long ways toward proving points.

Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies is 25 years old and in his fourth year in Major League Baseball. Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs is 24 and in his second season in Major League Baseball. They’re similar creatures in age and abilities.

This weekend, the two put on a show at Coors Field. On Saturday night, Bryant belted a three-run homer to lead Chicago to a victory and overtake Arenado on the National League home run leaderboard with 31. On Sunday, Arenado retook the NL lead with two long three-run blasts, giving him 32 on the season as the Rockies won.

The back-and-forth is part of what has become a fun National League rivalry to watch between the two to show the nation who is “the man” at third base.

“I would bet that they pay attention somewhat to one another,” Chicago manager Joe Maddon said. “There’s gotta be some kind of competition internally. They both want to be the best and considered the best at that position. There’s nothing wrong with that. There have been a lot of good third basemen in both leagues who have been MVP kind of candidates.”

More from Rox Pile

They’ve competed for the home run lead this season. They also competed for the honor to start for the National League at third base in the All-Star game this season, where Bryant edged out Arenado to complete an all-Cubs infield in the Midsummer Classic.

Maddon says the competition between the two is a positive for the entire game of baseball.

“It’s good for baseball,” Maddon said. “Everyone is looking for what’s good for baseball. There’s so much out there that is good for baseball to promote and should be attractive for young fans. Nolan should be attractive. KB (Bryant) is attractive. There are a whole bunch of guys who should be attractive to young fans and get them engaged. Getting them to want to know these guys and follow these guys, that’s what’s good for baseball.”

While it may not have the numbers of the great Mark McGwire versus Sammy Sosa home run battle in 1998, the race between Arenado and Bryant for not only homers but perhaps even the MVP award should be a compelling story for the rest of the season. However, make no mistake about it. There’s pride on the line for both players.

“It feels good,” Arenado said after retaking the home run lead on Sunday. “I was able to end last season like that (as the NL’s co-leader in homers and leader in RBI). We still have a long ways to go. It’s nice to see your name up there. I try not to look at that stuff because I feel like it’s going to get in your head a little bit but it’s nice. I’ve been grinding. I haven’t felt like myself so to be up there is a good feeling.”

Colorado manager Walt Weiss acknowledged the “rivalry” on Sunday but also said he doesn’t believe it’s something either player focuses on. He believes they’re more concerned about wins than individual totals.

“I don’t think it matters a whole lot. I’m sure they’re both aware of the other guy,” Weiss said. “They’re two great young players in the league. There are a lot of good, young talented players in the league right now and those are two of them. To a small degree, there’s a rivalry but they’re not in our division and we don’t see them a whole lot. I think there’s probably more of a mutual respect for each other.”