Stolen bases are more plentiful than ever. With that comes the need for more to stick with the pack. Here are players going outside the top 100 in average draft position (ADP) you should target for stolen bases in 2025.
The idea is to land on these players if you wait on speed and need extra stolen bases production as you enter the middle and later rounds.
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Fantasy Baseball Players to Target for Steals
Dylan Crews (OF – WSH)
Three teams had over 200 stolen bases in 2024. The Washington Nationals were not only one of the three teams but they also led the league with a total of 223 stolen bases.
Dylan Crews stole a combined 37 stolen bases across the MiLB and MLB levels. He stole 12 bases in just 31 games at the MLB level alone. This screams that not only will he run but there is a great chance of outproducing the projections here. He is also one of the better prospects in baseball and has always shown good on-base skills.
If the on-base abilities translate to the MLB level you should see him steal plenty of bases. What can also help is Crews batted in the top two lineup spots for most games once he was called up. There is just so much in his favor as a stolen base contributor in 2025.
Masyn Winn (SS – STL)
After getting a taste of leading off on May 14th of last year, Masyn Winn ended up slowly getting more looks until he led off in every start the rest of the way from June 6th onward. Unless they change the Cardinals change their mind, he should get the chance to run with the leadoff spot yet again entering 2025.
The big thing is he has come out and said he wants to steal more. His goal is, according to reports, to get around 30-40 stolen bases. In 2021, he stole 32 bases in the minors. In 2022, he stole 43 but took a step back in 2023.
Winn is working on his base running already and has a track record of being able to steal a ton of bases. Pair this with leading off for a team likely in need of manufacturing runs and you have someone worth taking a shot on for stolen bases.
Xavier Edwards (SS – MIA)
Speaking of players on a team that will need to manufacture runs, Xavier Edwards will likely be leading off for a team that will need to do just that. Xavier Edwards recently came out and said he wants to steal 60 bases. Quite the lofty goal but the speed is not the concern. He stole 31 bases at the MLB level in just 70 games, pacing for 60 just last season.
Edwards was also very efficient on the base paths, stealing 31 bases on 35 stolen base attempts. He has a ton of speed and makes a ton of contact. His on-base ability will depend on the contact and speed. He lacks power and the RBI upside is non-existent batting leadoff for the Marlins, so plan accordingly.
TJ Friedl (OF – CIN)
TJ Friedl battled injury early and often last year. A lot of it was bad luck but he still managed to steal NINE bases in 85 games. This was after posting 27 stolen bases in 138 games the year before. He should get a shot to lead off (at least against righties) and this team was the third-most aggressive on the base paths last year.
The Reds as a whole stole 207 bases. Friedl fits right into those plans and aggressive tendencies. If you wait on outfielders and need one with 20 or so stolen base upside, Friedl might just be your guy.
Trevor Story (SS – BOS)
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Now entering his age-32 season, Trevor Story has yet to play 100 games for the Red Sox since signing his long-term deal with them. Yet, he always manages 10+ stolen bases, even in limited opportunities. Last year he only stole six bases but it was after returning from a significant shoulder injury.
The fact he finished the season healthy and running is the reason for optimism in him having that very same green light entering 2025. The batting average could be a mess, but as long as he is healthy, Story will be playing just about every day.
Story does enough with power and speed to warrant taking a shot on him late in drafts if you miss on stolen bases. Projection systems love him and his ability to run. He’s projected for 20-24 stolen bases, even while baking in expected missed games.
Deep Cuts
These are players going around or after pick 300 in fantasy baseball ADP that could help in speed in deeper formats.
Brandon Marsh (OF – PHI)
Brandon Marsh should play against right-handed pitchers and stole 19 bases in 135 games last year. Twenty stolen base upside is hard to find this late but he can get there if he plays enough.
Ha-Seong Kim (SS – TB)
Signed by the Rays, who had the fourth-most stolen bases as a team last year. Ha-Seong Kim should get a chance to run as much as he wants. Assuming he is healthy, of course.
Caleb Durbin (2B – MIL)
There was early hype on Caleb Durbin that has died down. He has a path to starting every day right away as well as a very friendly skill set for stealing bases on one of the most aggressive teams in the Majors.
Ryan Bliss (2B – SEA)
Ryan Bliss is a sleeper for very deep leagues or AL-Only formats. He has immense speed upside. I project him to start as of now, even if others aren’t projecting that for him right now. Take advantage.
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