The Chicago Cubs, like any Major League Baseball (MLB) team, have long been a franchise associated with historical moments, passionate fan bases, and the pursuit of future success. As the team looks ahead to the future, one area where they may need to improve or focus more on is their baserunning—specifically, the art of stealing bases. Historically, the Cubs have never been known for their aggressive stealing strategy, but recent shifts in baseball’s overall game strategies, particularly with the implementation of the pitch clock, bigger bases, and changes in defensive positioning, have provided teams like the Cubs with new opportunities to exploit speed on the base paths. So, who could be the Cubs’ “Man of Steal” moving forward? Which player might take the reins as the Cubs’ top base stealer?
The Cubs’ Stealing History: A Backgroundhttps://www.sylversport.com/
Historically, the Cubs haven’t been a team that’s relied on stolen bases as a key part of their offensive identity. In fact, for many years, the Cubs were relatively conservative when it came to baserunning, as the organization typically valued power hitting and solid pitching more than speed on the base paths. For example, in the 2016 World Series-winning campaign, the Cubs had a solid but not exceptional baserunning game, with Javier Báez leading the team with just 14 stolen bases, a far cry from the stolen-base leaders of other MLB teams. Yet, as with many aspects of the game, trends in baseball evolve, and the Cubs are no exception.
In 2023, the Cubs finished 12th in the National League in stolen bases with 91, so it’s clear they’ve made some strides in incorporating speed into their game. However, they still lack a true “Man of Steal” to headline their baserunning department—a player capable of creating disruption on the bases and posing a serious threat to pitchers.
Who Could Be the Cubs’ “Man of Steel”?
In the context of the Cubs’ current roster, there are a few players who could realistically take on the role of the Cubs’ top base stealer in the years to come. Let’s break down some key candidates.
1. Nico Hoerner: The Speedy Shortstop
Nico Hoerner is the natural choice as the Cubs’ potential “Man of Steal” moving forward. The Cubs’ starting shortstop already demonstrated his impressive speed and baserunning intelligence in 2023, finishing the season with 40 stolen bases. Hoerner’s natural agility and quickness on the base paths make him an ideal candidate to lead the team in stolen bases year in and year out.
Hoerner’s ability to read pitchers, combined with his rapid first-step acceleration, allows him to take advantage of mistakes from opposing pitchers or catchers. He doesn’t rely solely on blazing speed but rather on a well-honed sense of timing and situational awareness. His 2023 campaign, where he finished with a solid on-base percentage, paired with his steal numbers, showcased just how much he could impact the game beyond just his bat and glove.
However, one question for Hoerner moving forward will be whether the Cubs will encourage him to push the envelope further or if they will dial back his attempts for risk management purposes. He may not be a raw, aggressive base-stealing threat like some of the game’s top runners (e.g., Trey Turner or Julio Rodríguez), but his steady and efficient baserunning could make him the best bet for becoming the Cubs’ “Man of Steal.”
2. Seiya Suzuki: The Quiet Threat
Seiya Suzuki might not have been known for his speed during his early MLB seasons, but he does have the quickness and intelligence to steal bases, albeit in a more calculated manner than players who steal at a higher volume. In 2023, Suzuki swiped 5 bags, showing that he has the ability to take advantage of pitching mistakes when needed. While he isn’t a burner like some other speedsters in the league, Suzuki’s baseball IQ and awareness of defensive positioning could allow him to capitalize on opportunities for a timely steal.
Suzuki’s presence on the base paths has the potential to evolve, especially as he becomes more comfortable with MLB baserunning strategies. If he were to gain more confidence in taking risks, he could emerge as a steady contributor to the Cubs’ stolen-base efforts in the years ahead.
3. Christopher Morel: The Wild Card
One of the more exciting and unpredictable players in the Cubs’ system is Christopher Morel. In 2023, Morel displayed flashes of brilliance with his bat and in the field, but his baserunning abilities stood out as well, finishing the year with 6 stolen bases. Morel’s raw athleticism and unpredictable style on the field give him the potential to become a true base-stealing threat.
Morel is a bit of a wildcard in this discussion because of his boom-or-bust approach at times. He could be a player who stretches his legs more in 2024 and beyond, provided he gets consistent playing time and a strong confidence boost from the coaching staff. His ability to change the game on both sides of the ball means that he could be a major contributor to the Cubs’ baserunning department.
However, Morel is still working on refining his game, and his erratic style could mean a higher risk of being caught stealing if he becomes too aggressive. Nonetheless, his upside and athleticism could make him a viable candidate to disrupt the base paths for the Cubs in the future.
4. Madrigal and Other Bench Players
While players like Nick Madrigal and the Cubs’ bench players don’t necessarily fit the mold of the “Man of Steal,” their contributions to small-ball play and baserunning could make a difference for the team’s overall stolen-base count. Madrigal, for example, might not be a true base-stealing threat, but his high contact rate and on-base skills can put him in position to take advantage of opportunities for small steals and advance to scoring position when the situation arises.
These types of players can provide valuable support and depth to the Cubs’ stolen-base efforts, even if they aren’t the ones leading the charge.
Conclusion: Who Will Lead the Cubs’ Stolen Base Charge?
In conclusion, while there are several candidates who could emerge as the Cubs’ “Man of Steal,” it’s clear that Nico Hoerner is currently the team’s best bet to fill that role. Hoerner’s blend of speed, baseball IQ, and the ability to read pitchers gives him an edge in terms of baserunning. However, it’s also possible that players like Seiya Suzuki or Christopher Morel could play key roles in the Cubs’ stolen-base efforts if they develop further in those areas.
As the game of baseball continues to evolve, and with the Cubs looking to build a team that is competitive on all fronts, baserunning will continue to be a crucial aspect of their offensive game plan. Whether it’s Hoerner leading the charge or another player emerging as a stolen-base specialist, the Cubs’ pursuit of a “Man of Steal” is an exciting part of their ongoing development as a team.
