Chicago Cubs: Comparing Kris Bryant and Pete Alonso’s rookie seasons

Chicago Cubs: Well deserved Rookies of the Year

When you look at each players’ first year in the Show, there are striking similarities in production. Bryant finished his rookie campaign playing 151 games, slashing .275/.369/.488 with 26 home runs, 99 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and a 136 wRC+. It was good enough for a 6.1 WAR.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis

Alonso posted a slash line of .260/.358/.583, breaking a rookie record with 53 home runs. He managed to drive in 120 runs and finished with a 143 wRC+ giving him a 4.8 WAR — much more power and home runs, however close in all other categories.

The big difference between the two players I found was their ability to hit in high leverage situations. In 68 games spanning 89 plate appearances, Bryant slashed .299/.371/.455 with a .825 OPS, suitable for a 126 wRC+. He could certainly be counted on. Alonso, unfortunately, did not do well in high leverage situations. The big first baseman slashed only .193/.304/.456 with a .760 OPS and a 92 wRC+.

Regarding their defense, Bryant finished with a 3 DRS and 1.5 UZR/150 in 1209 1/3 innings at the hot corner. Alonso struggled at first base, posting a -6 DRS with a 1.4 UZR/150 in 1328 innings. The two were nearly identical in UZR/150, yet Bryant saved many more runs.