In MLB The Show 26, stealing bases isn’t just about raw speed—it’s a mix of Speed (SPD), Steal (SB), and smart base-running. The fastest runners can turn singles into doubles and keep pitchers on edge, giving your team a huge advantage.
Here’s a list of the top 10 base-stealing threats based on their Diamond Dynasty and Live Series ratings as of May 12, 2026.
1. Elly De La Cruz (SS/3B, Cincinnati Reds)
Speed: 99
Steal: 95+
De La Cruz is electric on the bases. With near-max speed and great stealing attributes, he’s a nightmare for catchers and pitchers alike. His Spotlight and Live Series cards make him the ultimate leadoff option.
2. Trea Turner (SS/2B, Philadelphia Phillies)
Speed: 97+
Steal: 94+
Turner is a consistent speed threat. His Live Series and special edition cards make him a reliable top-of-the-order runner with excellent jump timing.
3. Bobby Witt Jr. (SS, Kansas City Royals)
Speed: 98
Steal: 92+
A Cover Athlete favorite, Witt’s speed is elite. Diamond Dynasty players love using him for aggressive base-stealing strategies.
4. Corbin Carroll (OF, Arizona Diamondbacks)
Speed: 97
Steal: 90+
Carroll pairs elite speed with strong contact and plate discipline, making him ideal for leadoff and high-pressure base-running situations.
5. Byron Buxton (CF, Minnesota Twins)
Speed: 95+
Steal: 90+
Buxton’s game-breaking speed isn’t just for stealing—he covers center field like few others. On the bases, he can turn routine singles into extra bases consistently.
6. Jarren Duran (OF, Boston Red Sox)
Speed: 96
Steal: 88+
A rising star in the speed category, Duran combines agility and aggression, making him a reliable threat on every pitch.
7. Victor Scott II (OF, St. Louis Cardinals)
Speed: 97
Steal: 89+
Scott is often rated as a pure speed prospect. His cards feature near-max speed, giving him excellent steal success rates.
8. Nasim Nuñez (2B, Washington Nationals)
Speed: 95+
Steal: 87+
Nuñez translates Statcast-leading speed into-game effectively. He’s a solid choice for budget or mid-tier Diamond Dynasty lineups.
9. Brandon Lockridge (LF, San Diego Padres)
Speed: 95
Steal: 86+
Lockridge is a common “speed specialist.” His affordable cards make him ideal for players looking to boost base-running performance without spending heavily.
10. Ken Griffey Jr. (All-Star Series)
Speed: 93–95
Steal: 85+
Griffey’s All-Star card combines classic instincts with high-90s speed ratings. Perfect for players who want both nostalgia and effective base-stealing ability.
Key Base-Running Attributes
Speed (SPD): How fast a player moves around the bases.
Stealing (SB): Determines the quality of the jump when initiating a steal.
Baserunning Aggressiveness (BR Agg): Influences AI reactions for CPU-controlled runners and boosts your manual steal timing.
Pro Tip for Stealing Bases
Lead off correctly: Hold R2 (RT) to freeze the runner.
Take a small lead: Tap L1 (LB) once.
Time your steal: When the pitcher moves toward the plate, tap L2 (LT) to trigger the steal, then release R2.
This method improves success rates, especially against elite catchers.
