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

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 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

A perfect basestealer at 14/14, Bryston Stott’s 1.648 Steal Run Value earns him a spot at 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.

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 , 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.

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 . 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.

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.

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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