MLB
Elly De La Cruz reaches 40 stolen bases
‘La Cocoa’ is projected to hit 80 stolen bases in his second season in the major leagues; Last year Ronald Acuña finished as the leader with 73.
Elly De La Cruz is an incredible athlete and his lightning speed has been key in his budding career in the Major Leagues. The Cincinnati Reds shortstop is the MLB leader in stolen bases and has already reached 40 for the season. He reached the landmark in today’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Elly De La Cruz hits magical 40 SB mark
Although he was struck out by Sonny Gray in his first at-bat of the afternoon, De La Cruz hit an RBI double in the third roll to send Jonathan India to the ring and make the score 2-0. Then, he took advantage of Jake Fraley's strikeout while swinging to steal third base and reach 40 SB on the year.
At the current rate, ‘La Cocoa’ is projected to reach 80 stolen bases in his second season in the Major Leagues. In his first year in the Show he shone with 35 despite only playing in 98 games after being elevated from the Triple-A branch until June 2023. Last year, Ronald Acuña Jr., of the Atlanta Braves, was the leader of the MLB by accumulating 73. Furthermore, since 2007 no one has been able to surpass José Reyes’ 78 with the New York Mets.
What is the record for stolen bases in a Major League season?
Curiously, the player who holds the all time record for the most stolen bases in one single season is a Scotsman! Hugh Nicol, registered a staggering 138 with the Cincinnati Reds in the 1887 season.
Not far behind him is Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics, who obtained 130 in 172 attempts in the 1982 campaign.
Henderson appears second and further down the list in 12th. Three players appear twice in the all time top 10 ranking: Arlie Latham (St. Louis Browns), Billy Hamilton (Kansas City Cowboys and the Philadelphia Phillies) and Vince Coleman (St Louis Cardinals).