On Wednesday in Atlanta, Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds snagged his 50th and 51st stolen base of the 2024 season. This places him a full 20 stolen bases higher than second place, Brice Turang of the Brewers. Last season, Ronald Acuna Jr.‘s 73 steals, marked the most of any player since Jose Reyes (78) in 2007. De La Cruz is on track to snag as many as 80 bags, which hasn’t been done since Vince Coleman in 1988.
2023 Rule Changes
In 2023, Major League Baseball adopted a set of rule changes that many credit with the uptick in stolen bases. Among those changes included the pitch clock, limits to pick-off throws and larger bases. The results of those changes seem apparent when you compare the stolen base leaders in 2022 and 2023.
2022 Top Three Stolen Base Leaders
- Jon Berti, Marlins (41)
- Jorge Mateo, Orioles (35)
- Cedric Mullins, Orioles (34)
2023 Top Three Stolen Base Leaders
- Ronald Acuna Jr. Braves (73)
- Esteury Ruiz, Athletics (67)
- Corbin Carroll, DBacks (54)
In reality, these changes are most likely a positive for the game. Games are shorter, making them more watchable for most fans. And, if more stolen bases are also a result of these changes, stolen bases are fun to watch. For those of us who came up watching speedsters like Rickey Henderson, Vince Coleman, Tim Raines, Marquis Grissom and Kenny Lofton, this is a welcomed change in the game.
Bigger, Stronger, Faster
Beyond the uptick in stolen bases, another noticeable trend that is the combination of speed and power. Yes, there’s Elly De La Cruz, who combines his 51 stolen bases with 18 home runs. Other examples include Shohei Ohtani (24 SB, 30 HR), Bobby Witt Jr. (23 SB, 18 HR) and Francisco Lindor (20 SB, 21 HR). If all four stars continue on this path, they should all surpass the 30-30 mark. This would certainly be new territory for baseball, where power and speed are generally not exhibited in the same players.
In the case of De La Cruz, like Acuna before him, he might create his own category (30-80). At six foot five, Cruz is one of the bigger players in the game (particularly for a shortstop). His rare combination of power and speed has also produced seven triples, third most in MLB.
An Historic Start
Elly De La Cruz made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds on June 6, 2023. As he approaches his 200th game, Cruz could hit a mark not seen in over a century. Cruz has racked up over 80 steals, 80 walks and 80 extra-base hits in his short career. While his elite foot speed has certainly allowed for the high number of steals and XBHs, however, his learned disciple at the plate has contributed to his high number of walks.
Cruz played in his first MLB All Star Game this year, at just 22 years old. The Dominican born superstar is clearly one of the most electric players to watch. And for the Reds, they certainly hope he will continue to dazzle an eager Cincinnati fan base for many years to come.
