Good news: Reds, Brewers, Nationals Bring The Stolen Base Back into The MLB Game…

Reds, Brewers, Nationals Bring The Stolen Base Back into The MLB Game

Recent changes to the rules have not only made baseball games faster but have also increased the pace at which the game is played.

Game durations in Major League Baseball have become shorter. Players are running more frequently. Baseball is shifting back to an era reminiscent of base-stealers like Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman, moving away from the “chicks dig the long ball” mentality that dominated for the past 30 years.

A year after Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña became the first player in MLB history to achieve 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a single season, three National League teams—Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Washington—are on track to reach stolen base numbers not seen since the 1980s and 1990s.

“We’re causing chaos out there,” said Milwaukee second baseman Brice Turang, a key figure in this resurgence.

As of July 3, Cincinnati led the majors with 124 stolen bases, Milwaukee had 120, and Washington had 112, just past the midway point of the season.

The Reds are on pace for 233 stolen bases, which would be the highest total in the majors since the 1992 Brewers recorded 256, led by Pat Listach (54), Darryl Hamilton (41), and Paul Molitor (31). Every regular player for Milwaukee had double-digit steals that year, as did two bench players.

“I think it’s a great way to create scoring opportunities,” said Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy, whose team is following this trend. “Every stolen base puts a runner in scoring position. Given the current state of offense, especially with young players, it’s hard for them to stay composed.

“You need a burglar mentality. It’s fun, it’s liberating, and it’s a way to stay competitive. We might not be better than anyone, but we’re as good as everyone.”

Cincinnati’s shortstop Elly De La Cruz leads the majors with 41 stolen bases, while Turang is second with 28. They are among the 10 major leaguers with at least 20 steals.

Milwaukee outfielder Christian Yelich and Washington center fielder Jacob Young each have 19 steals. Acuña, the reigning National League MVP, had 16 stolen bases in 49 games before a torn ACL ended his season on May 26.

“It seems like they get a little nervous when I step out there,” De La Cruz told the Associated Press through an interpreter.

De La Cruz’s pace brings to mind Rickey Henderson, who holds the major league records for most steals in a season (130 in 1982) and in a career (1,406). Vince Coleman had three seasons with 100 steals and at least 65 in each of his first six seasons in the late 1980s.

The rule changes—pitch clock, limited mound disengagements, larger bases—have had a significant impact. Pitchers are allowed only two pickoff attempts per base, and a third attempt must result in an out or the runner advances, giving runners a strategic edge.

“The pickoff rule is more impactful than the clock,” Yelich said. “With only two allowed, there are more opportunities. It’s not necessarily easier, just different. We’ll do whatever it takes to help our team win and use our skills to our advantage.”

Bases have been enlarged from 15 inches square to 18 inches, providing an extra three inches on each side, which can be crucial in close plays at second base.

“That makes a difference, and teams are taking advantage of it,” said Colorado manager Bud Black, who played during a faster era.

“It’s challenging. Speed puts pressure on many aspects of the game. A base-stealer pressures the pitcher and catcher, and forces the defense to adjust their positions. It even affects outfielders’ decisions. Speed is disruptive, especially late in close games. It’s tough to deal with, which is why I like having it.”

Major league teams combined for 3,503 stolen bases in 2023, the first year of the new rules, the most since 1987 and a 40% increase from 2022. Teams have stolen 1,861 bases this season, indicating another slight increase.

The Brewers have an 85.1% success rate in stealing bases, on track to be the best among teams with at least 200 steals since MLB began tracking caught steals in 1951, according to Sportsradar. Cincinnati has an 82.7% success rate, and Washington is at 72.7% after a strong start.

“The rules encourage aggression on the bases,” said Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo. “We have several players who are excellent base runners and can steal bases effectively.

“It fits well with our offensive strategy. We don’t hit many home runs, but turning a single or a walk into a double makes us more efficient offensively.”

Turang, who stole 30 bases twice in a minor league season and had 26 last year, has already set career highs in steals and RBIs (38) this season.

“I’ve always seen it as part of the game,” said Turang, who has a .769 OPS from the leadoff spot.

“Pitchers who used to be 1.5 seconds to the plate are now 1.3 seconds, which can lead to more mistakes. It puts runners in scoring position or scores runs. It’s definitely fun.”