We want the best players at each position and a solid surplus for each statistical category in fantasy baseball. Regarding hitters, the standard categories are batting average, home runs, runs, RBIs and steals. Batting average is best found early in drafts and difficult to find later. Power and run production can be found later but that well eventually runs dry. Steals, on the other hand, can be found later in drafts.
Late-round picks can be considered values or sleepers. Regarding sleepers for steals, you can usually find some in the outfield or middle infield later in drafts. As one would expect, you will not be drafting five-category players later in drafts but the sleepers in steals usually help in multiple categories. Finding sleepers for steals boils down to players who play regularly. Let’s look at six hitters that could supply steals later in drafts.
Stolen Base Sleepers
Starling Marte (OF – NYM)
Starling Marte has battled injuries recently but that has not stopped him from stealing bases. He only played in 86 games last year but still stole 24 bases. Marte has stolen double-digit bases every year of his career and at least 18 bases in the previous 10 seasons, excluding the shortened 2020 season. Marte may be getting older and may spend some time on the IL, but for now, he should play regularly and 20+ steals are again in play. Since March 1, Marte has an average draft position (ADP) in NFBC OC drafts of 209, meaning you can get him as a third or fourth outfielder.
Harrison Bader (OF – NYM)
Let’s stick in Queens with another often-injured outfielder. Harrison Bader has had his fair share of trouble staying on the field but runs with a bit of pop when healthy. He has played 86 and 98 games in the last two seasons and has stolen 17 and 20 bases, respectively. The BAT X even has Bader stealing 22 bases in 105 games played. If Bader somehow plays all season, we could see 30 stolen bases. Bader’s defense is elite, which will keep him in the lineup. Bader has an NFBC OC ADP of 344 over the past month, which is excellent for a speculative draft pick in the final rounds.
Brice Turang (2B, SS – MIL)
Brice Turang is a running machine when he’s on base, which was suspect last season. In Turang’s rookie season, he hit .218 over 137 games played. Despite his low batting average and .285 OBP, Turang still stole 26 bases. Turang was announced as the primary second baseman for the Brewers earlier this week. That at least locks him into at-bats and the chance to keep running. He hit for a much better batting average in the minors and will only be 24 this season, so development at the plate could continue. Turang has an ADP of 339 in March, making him a nice end-game piece at MI or a reserve bat.
Trevor Story (SS – BOS)
Most people remember Trevor Story as a power bat in the middle of the Rockies’ batting order. He also provides quite a bit of speed. He stole at least 20 baes in 2018, 2019 and 2021. He stole 13 bases in a shorted 2022 season (94 games). Last year, Story returned earlier than expected from his injury and played in 43 games. The overall production was lacking but Story still stole 10 bases. He is healthy entering the 2024 season and should play for the Red Sox daily. With an entire season of at-bats, Story should be back in line for another 20+ steals. We could even go as far as saying a 20/20 season could be in play. Story has an ADP of 175 in March, which makes for a nice spot to find a 20/20 bat.
Brenton Doyle (OF – COL)
Brenton Doyle had an interesting rookie season, playing 126 games but only hitting .203 with 10 home runs. That was not great from a prospect that showcased power and a solid batting average in the minors. Doyle also showcased speed in the minors, which carried over as he stole 22 bases. Doyle also struck out over 30% of the time, which is not ideal, but he will be 26 this year, so hopefully improvements occur offensively. Regardless, Doyle’s defense is outstanding, leading to regular at-bats and the chance for 20+ steals. Doyle has an NFBC OC ADP in March of 354, meaning he is free in drafts.
Tim Anderson (SS – MIA)
Tim Anderson had a rough 2023 offensively but still managed 13 steals over 123 games. Since 2019 (excluding 2020), Anderson has not played more than 123 games and still has anywhere from 13 to 18 steals each season. Anderson has a new opportunity with the Marlins and should play daily if he is still healthy. Another 15+ steals should be in play for Anderson, with a chance of 20+ if he can stay healthy. Anderson has an ADP 327, so he makes for a nice speculative MI target in 12-team leagues.
Expert Fantasy Baseball Draft Advice
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