Stolen bases is a category that has become more prevalent in recent years due to rule changes that favor steals. More teams are willing to take risks on the base paths to enhance some run-producing chances with these new rules. With more teams running, you can make up a stolen base deficiency later in drafts.
Many players will be outfielders or middle infielders when looking for steals later in drafts. They will likely come with some other deficiency, be it power or batting average, so your team needs to be OK with those statistics if you draft these targets.
I have highlighted players with an average draft position (ADP) after pick 160 in 12-team leagues with 20+ stolen bases upside this season.
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Fantasy Baseball Sleepers to Target for Stolen Bases
Victor Robles (OF – SEA)
Victor Robles had a significant renaissance season last year, with 34 stolen bases over 91 games, 30 of which came in 77 games with the Mariners. Robles had many chances to steal bases thanks to his .301 batting average on the season and .328 with the Mariners. He is projected to lead off for the Mariners in 2025, which could lead to a massive number of steals if he continues to play well.
Robles had an on-base percentage (OBP) over .380 in the last two seasons, but projection sites have him with an OBP closer to .320, which would be quite a step back. With the dip in OBP, he’s still projected for 30+ steals, which seems like a floor for Robles. Another OBP closer to .380 could lead to a 40+ steal season for Robles, which would be a major win if you are looking for steals in the middle of your draft.
Jose Caballero (2B, SS, 3B – TB)
Jose Caballero may not play every day, but he is a super utility player for the Rays. In the event of an injury, he can get those daily at-bats that boost his stolen base upside.
Caballero stole 44 bases last season over 139 games for the Rays. He stole 26 bases over 104 games for the Mariners in 2023. Caballero should play at least 100 games, which means he brings a 20-steal floor with plenty of upside at his fantasy baseball ADP.
Victor Scott (OF – STL)
Many were excited for Victor Scott’s debut last season, but it was a significant learning curve. Despite the ups and downs, Scott stole 35 bases between Triple-A and the Cardinals. He stole a ridiculous 94 bases in the Minors in 2023.
Scott plays great defense, which may keep him in the Cardinals’ lineup. He could be a phenomenal source of steals late in drafts.
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