The 2025 MLB season is just a few days old. As usual, MLB writers made preseason predictions for teams, players, and the postseason.
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter made one bold prediction for every MLB team this past Saturday.
Reuter's Chicago Cubs prediction is that outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will lead MLB in stolen bases. In 2024, the 23-year-old stole 27 bases in 30 attempts 2024 in 123 games.
A look at Crow-Armstrong's Baseball Savant page indicates that Reuter's prediction may not be that bold. The potential first-time All-Star ranked in the 99th percentile in sprint speed in 2024, and he's swiped two bags in two attempts to start his 2025 campaign.
Two players Crow-Armstrong will need to keep pace with are shortstop Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds and second baseman Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2024, De La Cruz led MLB with 67 stolen bases, and Turang finished third with 50.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani finished second in MLB in stolen bases last season with 59. Still, manager Dave Roberts may play it safe and attempt to avoid potential injury with Ohtani when the two-way star returns to the pitcher's mound.
Crow-Armstrong can increase his chances of leading MLB in stolen bases by improving his on-base percentage. The Sherman Oaks, California, native finished 2024 with a .286 OBP and drew only 21 walks in 410 plate appearances.
His OBP took a massive hit in 2024 due to a 29.9 whiff rate, which ranked in the 18th percentile among qualified MLB hitters.
Crow-Armstrong's speed could prove invaluable for a Cubs team that ranked eighth in MLB last season with 143 stolen bases. Swiping extra bases could lead to a few more wins throughout the year.
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