The 2024 MLB season has seen a remarkable surge in base stealing, with teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, and Washington Nationals leading the charge. These teams are on pace to collectively steal over 200 bases, a feat that hasn’t been achieved in over three decades. The surge in base stealing can be attributed to the new rule changes implemented by MLB last year aimed at increasing the pace of the game and encouraging teams to be more aggressive on the basepaths.
The Reds’ Elly De La Cruz is one of the main driving forces behind this speed revolution, with 37 stolen bases so far this season and a pace for a record-breaking 81 steals. De La Cruz’s presence on base causes opposing pitchers to become nervous and rattled, making him a key component of the Reds’ offense. His speed and aggressiveness on the basepaths are having a significant impact on the game, and teams are taking notice.
The Reds, Brewers, and Nationals are all reaping the rewards of their aggressive base-stealing tactics. The Reds have 107 steals so far this season, putting them on pace for a whopping 234 steals, while the Brewers have 104 and the Nationals have 101. These totals would represent the highest for any team since the 1992 Brewers stole 256 bases. Not limited to these three teams, multiple teams are adopting a more aggressive approach on the basepaths.
MLB Teams Embrace Speed Revolution with Aggressive Base Stealing Approach
The Brewer’s success can be attributed to their consistent ability to get on base and then take advantage of their speed, according to outfielder Blake Perkins. The Nationals, on the other hand, have found success through stealing, but manager Dave Martinez believes they must do a better job of picking their spots. First-base coach Collin Cowgill of the Reds agrees that teams are taking extra measures to contain the running game, such as using a slide-step whenever a runner is on base. However, Cowgill believes that this hasn’t slowed down the speed revolution.
The Reds’ ability to go at the right time is crucial to their success, and their first-base coach, Quintin Berry, plays a key role in this. Berry provides scouting reports that help the team to identify the best opportunities to steal and take advantage of their speed. Second baseman Brice Turang, who has 26 steals and ranks second in the majors, emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of their speed and helping the team win. Each of these teams has multiple players with double-digit steals, showcasing their commitment to the speed revolution. The Reds have De La Cruz on pace for 81 steals, while the Brewers and Nationals have multiple players with at least 10 steals.
