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10 best MLB base stealers in 2026 according to advanced metrics
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- 10 best MLB base stealers in 2026 according to advanced metrics
In MLB , every 90 feet matters, as we see some teams stealing wins on the basepaths. Beyond raw steal totals, advanced metrics can capture a Steal Run Value, a modeled success probability derived from the specific pitcher and catcher faced, which applies fixed run values, which are approximately +0.20 runs for a successful steal and -0.45 runs for a caught stealing, which explains who's actually turning speed into runs. Who is swiping bags at a high success rate and taking the extra base when the defense blinks? Here are 2026's ten best basestealers by the numbers.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings
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10. Esteury Ruiz
One of the fastest players in the league, Esteury Ruiz's 29.7 ft/sec has earned him a +1.636 Steal Run Value, across 15 steal attempts, and places him at #10 in the league. His speed enables him to steal third at a very high clip (+1.153), positioning himself in a prime scoring position to be driven in.
9. Bryson Stott
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott hits a double during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. | Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
A perfect basestealer at 14/14, Bryston Stott's 1.648 Steal Run Value earns him a spot at #9 of the top 10 basestealers in the league. His 28.5 ft/sec sprint speed is just above average, so his ability is defined by his great jumps and decision-making.
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8. Luisangel Acuña
With 12 steals through 14 attempts, Luisangel Acuña ranks 8th on this list. His 29.8 ft/sec average sprint speed has allowed him to steal efficiently, gaining 5 bases above average to second and 3 bases above average to third.
7. José Ramírez
With a +1.780 Steal Run Value placing him at #7, José Ramírez's value is driven by both target bags, with +1.056 runs on 2B steals and +0.723 runs on 3B steals. José is proof that basestealing run value at this level isn't exclusively a speed story. The +1.780 SRV reflects elite decision-making and timing more than elite athleticism.
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6. Evan Carter
The second baserunner to be perfect in steal attempts on this list at 10/10, Texas Rangers centerfielder Evan Carter has created +1.815 Steal Run Value, placing him at #6. His above-average 28.8 ft/sec, as well as his 9.6 lead distance gained, allow him to get the best jumps.
5. Oneil Cruz
Oneil Cruz starts the top 5 with a +1.840 Steal Run Value across 21/25 steal attempts on the season. His 28.4 ft/sec average sprint speed is above average, while most of his value comes from 2B steals (+1.729 runs), with 3B attempts providing additional margin (+0.111).
4. Bobby Witt Jr.
MLB: Apr 1, 2026; Kansas City , Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) advances to third base on a wild pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
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One of MLB's most prolific runners on the bases, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. ranks in the 98th percentile in baserunning run value. His +1.909 Steal Run Value across 28/32 steals ranks him 4th on this list. At 30.3 ft/sec average sprint speed, he is willing to attack both second and third at just under +1 added runs each.
3. Nico Hoerner
Third on the list, Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner's 12/14 steal attempts gives him a +2.303 Steal Run Value. Hoerner has always been a great baserunner, with at least 5 added baserunning runs over the last three seasons. This season, at 28.4 ft/sec, he is fast enough to make defenses uncomfortable.
2. Randy Arozarena
#2 overall is Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena. He ranks among the elite with a +2.693 Steal Run Value, being 19/23 on the season. He mostly steals second with +2.394 runs added. At an average speed of around 27.0 ft/sec, which is roughly league average, Arozarena proves that basestealing run value isn't just a speed story.
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1. Nasim Nuñez
The best basestealer is Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez. He leads all of MLB with a +3.697 Steal Run Value. Nasim is 27/30 on the season, with a bulk of his value coming from 2B steals (+2.948) with 3B attempts providing additional margin (+0.749). At a 29.6 ft/sec sprint spread, Nasim is among the faster players in the game.
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