Fantasy baseball: Under-the-radar players, teams to target for stolen base value
Stolen bases surged across Major League Baseball last season to a remarkable 3,617, the highest total in 109 years and the third-highest since 1900. Through an average of 50 games per team in 2025, the league is on pace to shatter that mark with more than 3,800 stolen bases projected.For fantasy baseball managers, this trend underscores the importance of prioritizing speed to gain a competitive edge in a category that is becoming increasingly pivotal. Stolen bases can feel like a scarce commodity in fantasy baseball, often dominated by a handful of elite players such as Elly De La Cruz or Bobby Witt Jr.
— players no one in your league wants to trade.Nevertheless, with this season showcasing another league-wide commitment to running, savvy managers can exploit this trend by targeting under-the-radar players and teams that emphasize aggressive baserunning.Teams like the Rays, Brewers, Cubs and Reds lead the majors in stolen bases and attempts, making their rosters prime hunting grounds for fantasy value. One such target is Tampa Bay’s Chandler Simpson, a rising star batting .289 with 12 stolen bases in just 28 games this season.
Simpson’s speed is electric, and his ability to get on base consistently makes him a perfect waiver-wire pickup for managers needing a stolen base infusion. Similarly, Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II boasts a .349 on-base percentage and 13 stolen bases.His blend of contact skills and aggressive baserunning makes him a low-cost, high-reward option for fantasy rosters.
Both players exemplify how mid-tier talents can deliver category-defining production in the stolen base column. The importance of steals in fantasy baseball extends beyond raw numbers.In standard 5×5 leagues, steals are one of the five offensive categories, yet they’re often undervalued compared to home runs or RBIs.
This creates an opportunity for managers to dominate a scarce category by prioritizing speed. A single player like Simpson or Scott can swing ...