Stealing bases in baseball has become significantly easier since 2023 due to several Major League Baseball (MLB) rule changes, though the difficulty still varies by the target base and game situation.
Pitchers are limited to two “disengagements” (pickoff attempts or step-offs) per plate appearance. If they attempt a third and fail, it is ruled a balk, and the runner automatically advances.
The size of the bases increased from 15 to 18 inches. This reduces the distance between bases by 4.5 inches, making the sprint slightly shorter and providing a larger target for sliding.
The mandatory timer forces pitchers into a predictable rhythm, allowing runners to better time their jumps. Simply put there has never been a better time to be a menace on the base paths than it is in today’s evolution of the game of baseball.
Jazz Chisholm, Nasim Nunez and Chandler Simpson are all top ten in steals early in the 2026 MLB Season and are legit threats to steal bases any time they have an opportunity.
Jazz Chisholm
Jazz Chisholm has been an example of this even before the recent rule changes and has the overall big-time personality to back up his big-time speed. His ability to hit the ball to all fields when he is not launching impressive home runs showcases his elite capability to be the overall leader in the entire league when the season reaches its conclusion.
Nasim Nunez
Nasim Nunez is new to the party and is representing the exciting Black Nats (Washington Nationals) a fellow second baseman much like Jazz Chisholm, he can pick them up and put them down when running the bases and can be a consistent member of the stolen base elite moving forward.
Chandler Simpson
Chandler Simpson is a perfect example of the right player in the right situation. As a member of the pesky Tampa Bay Rays he fits the mold of speedy outfielders who make plays in the outfield and wreak havoc on opposing pitchers with the ability to get on base and help their dangerous lineup filled with overachievers who play hard each night achieve success.
With all the bases these speedsters have stolen, their ability to avoid being caught is very impressive as there has only been 2 caught stealing between the three. As the weather outside heats up, keep an eye out for these three brothers on the basepaths getting it done with their speed keeping opposing pitchers and catchers on their toes at all times.
