One of the toughest MLB predictions to make ahead of the 2026 season is which player might end up leading the league in steals. It’s not a stretch to say that stolen bases can be considered a lost art in today’s MLB. Nonetheless, we’ll analyze the cases of several players who could lead the majors in thefts in 2026.
Top Stolen Base Leaders of the 2025 MLB Season
First, let’s look at the players who led the majors in stolen bases during the 2025 season, as there were several outliers in terms of career-high numbers in steals.
In the National League, Juan Soto (yes, that’s not a typo) and Oneil Cruz co-led in stolen bases with 38, although Soto was only caught stealing four times. Cruz has the speed to be in this conversation regularly, but Soto was probably a one-year outlier. The top five was composed of Elly De La Cruz (37), Trea Turner (36), and Pete Crow-Armstrong (35).
In the American League, Jose Caballero led the way with 49 stolen bases, which was the highest mark in MLB as a whole. Jose Ramirez and Chandler Simpson had 44, Bobby Witt Jr. finished with 38, and Luis Robert Jr. had 33. However, Caballero is a part-time player, while Simpson doesn’t get on base enough to make the most of his speed.
Early Favorites to Lead MLB in Stolen Bases in 2026
To be successful at stealing bases, you need to find a way to get on base. Soto is probably the biggest on-base threat in the majors, but he’s not expected to steal more than 30 bases again. Turner isn’t getting any younger and Cruz doesn’t get on base enough, meaning De La Cruz and Crow-Armstrong are strong bets.
If they stay healthy, both should steal 30–40 bases. The Chicago Cubs outfielder is one name to watch in particular, because if he can hit better in the second half, he’s likely to improve on his numbers from 2025.
However, there’s a big chance that the leader in stolen bases will come from the AL. Caballero can get an early lead in that category since he’ll open the year as the New York Yankees’ starting shortstop, but Ramirez can’t be overlooked. The Cleveland Guardians’ third baseman has stolen at least 40 bases in back-to-back seasons.
Witt can be a dominant threat on the basepaths as well. The star shortstop had a “down” year in 2025, but he still stole 38 bases in 47 attempts. He’ll certainly play more than Caballero, and his ability to get on base is not under any question after leading the majors in hits in each of the last two years.
Predictions for the 2026 MLB Stolen Base Leader
Either Ramirez, Witt, or Crow-Armstrong. Those are the three top candidates to lead the majors in stolen bases given their hitting ability, capacity to get on base, and regular playing time.
Caballero can be a dark horse given his speed, and the same can be said about Simpson. But neither is expected to see enough playing time to challenge these other three All-Stars for the honor of leading the majors in stolen bases in 2026.
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