Julio Rodriguez made history by becoming the first MLB player with 20+ home runs and stolen bases in each of his first four seasons, hitting his 100th career homer and adding his 21st stolen base as the Mariners beat the Rangers 5-4.
Julio Rodríguez made MLB history as the first player with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of his first four seasons, also hitting his 100th career home run and establishing himself as a key player for the Seattle Mariners.
Pete Crow-Armstrong became the third MLB player in history to reach 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases before the All-Star break, showcasing a breakout season with impressive power and speed, and earning a spot in the All-Star Game.
A survey of Fantasy Baseball players reveals insights on must-have players, pitcher breakouts, prospects, and stolen base specialists for the 2024 season. Notable mentions include players like Corbin Carroll, Oneil Cruz, and Jordan Walker, while prospects like Royce Lewis and Triston Casas are expected to break out. The survey also highlights preferences for cheap power and speed, critical positions to fill early, and concerns about potential closer turnover.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton impresses during the team's first full-squad workout, displaying good health and predicting 30 stolen bases for the upcoming season. Buxton's performance, including a booming hit during batting practice and a confident media session, signals his optimism for the season ahead. Despite a history of injuries, Buxton's strong showing and participation in outfield drills indicate a positive start to spring training, with the team planning to gradually build him up for exhibition games.
The adoption of new rules in the 2023 baseball season, including the pitch timer, defensive shift restrictions, and bigger bases, has resulted in shorter game times, with the average nine-inning game time decreasing by 24 minutes compared to the previous year. However, game times did slightly lengthen in the second half of the season as players adapted to the timer rules. Pitch timer violations declined throughout the year, with players adjusting and the rate of violations decreasing. The defense commits the most violations, while there is no evidence that the timer caused more injuries or changed starting pitcher usage. Basestealing has increased, with stolen-base attempts at the highest rate since 2012 and the highest success rate in MLB history. The goal of having infielders in their natural positions has resulted in more traditional results on balls in play, with an increase in the leaguewide batting average on balls in play. Defensive shift infractions have been exceedingly rare.
Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves became the first player in MLB history to achieve a 40-70 season, hitting 40 home runs and stealing 70 bases. Acuña stole his 70th base in the 10th inning against the Chicago Cubs, helping the Braves secure a 6-5 walk-off win and clinch the top seed in the National League. With his exceptional power-speed combination, Acuña is now a favorite for the NL MVP award. The Braves will begin their playoff campaign in the NLDS against the winner of the wild-card series.
Ronald Acuña Jr. has become the fifth player in MLB history to achieve a 40-homer, 40-steal season, joining the exclusive 40-40 club. However, with 68 stolen bases, he has also become the first member of the 40-60 club. Acuña's accomplishment adds to his MVP-caliber season and solidifies his status as one of baseball's elite players.
Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. is on track to join an exclusive club of baseball players who have achieved both 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. Currently with 26 home runs and 55 stolen bases, Acuña is approaching a new power-and-speed frontier that no player has ever reached before. The closest players to this milestone include Rickey Henderson, who had 28 home runs and 87 stolen bases in 1986, and Eric Davis, who had 27 home runs and 80 stolen bases in 1986. If Acuña can reach 40 home runs and 50 stolen bases, he would achieve a feat that has never been accomplished in baseball history.
The Chicago Cubs are in a position to potentially compete for a Wild Card spot, although it remains unlikely. If they perform well in their upcoming games against the White Sox and Cardinals, they could make up ground in the race. The Cubs' remaining strength of schedule is the easiest in the National League. Kyle Hendricks is highly valued by the team, and it is unlikely they would trade him unless the return was exceptional and he expressed interest in joining a contender. The league has seen an increase in stolen bases and improved offensive statistics this season, but the changes have not been as dramatic as some anticipated. The Cubs have been more efficient in stealing bases this year compared to last year.
Trevor Story is set to make his return to game action for the Red Sox after recovering from elbow surgery. Story's presence as a shortstop and baserunner could have a significant impact on the team. He has been one of the most efficient baserunners in the game since 2018, succeeding on 81% of his stolen base attempts. Additionally, Story's defensive skills at shortstop were elite in 2019, making him a valuable asset for the Red Sox. The team is banking on Story to contribute to their success and believes he can still perform at a high level in his primary position.
Elly De La Cruz made history by stealing second base, third base, and home plate in a single inning, becoming the first Cincinnati Reds player to achieve this feat since 1919. The Reds went on to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-5, securing their first-place position in the National League Central. De La Cruz has been a sensation since his debut, with impressive hitting, speed, and a cycle under his belt. The 21-year-old rookie has played a significant role in the Reds' recent success, helping them climb to the top of their division.
Cincinnati Reds rookie Elly De La Cruz stole second base, third base, and home plate in the same plate appearance, giving the Reds a 7-5 lead in their 8-5 win against the Milwaukee Brewers. This feat has not been seen in the MLB in the last 50 years and makes De La Cruz the first Reds player to achieve this since 1919. His impressive display of speed and baseball IQ has garnered praise from analysts and fans alike.
Elly De La Cruz made history by becoming the first Reds player since 1919 to steal second, third, and home in the same inning, helping Cincinnati defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-5. De La Cruz's electrifying play broke a tie in the seventh inning and showcased his speed and agility on the basepaths. The Reds have been on a hot streak since De La Cruz's promotion, improving their record and extending their lead in the NL Central. De La Cruz has 16 stolen bases in 30 games and continues to impress with his performance.
Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds became the first player since 1919 to steal second, third, and home in the same inning, sparking the Reds to an 8-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. De La Cruz's electrifying play came in the seventh inning, breaking a tie and leading the Reds to victory. The rookie shortstop has been a game-changer for the team, with 16 stolen bases in 30 games and a batting average of .328. The Reds have surged since his promotion, improving their record and expanding their lead in the NL Central.