As fans, we love a good base swiper. It’s an exciting interlude to an otherwise dull at-bat or adds pressure and intensity to a possible big moment. And as fantasy managers, we also love the thievery, but we’re not always willing to pay for it. Many of our leagues don’t value the stolen base as highly as other stats, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be valuable. Like in real life, stolen bases can give your team some added value and potentially help turn a losing matchup into a winning one.
But since we don’t like paying for them, let’s take a look at some late-round options that will help you reap the rewards on the cheap.
Willi Castro, MIN, 3B/OF, 332 ADP
What makes Castro such an intriguing target is his ability to play all over the field. Last season, he played 54 games in left, 45 in center, 41 at third base, 10 at second, eight at shortstop, four in right field, three at DH, and even pitched in three games. Why does that matter here? Because the Twins recognize just how valuable a player like that is. If Castro can continue hitting around league average, he’ll continue to find playing time, spelling his teammates all across the diamond. What does that mean? It means another season of at least 33 steals like he had last year, which nearly quadrupled his previous career high. Do you think someone liked the larger bases? He definitely won’t be in the first 30 or so outfield names off the board, but the 26-year-old is worthy of your last pick.
Jake McCarthy, ARI, OF, 315 ADP
Like Castro, McCarthy can play all over the outfield, giving him valuable backup starts and pinch-hit opportunities for the World Series runner-ups. Arizona has a terrific outfield, led by another speed demon in Corbin Carroll. However, McCarthy made his way into 99 games for the DBacks in 2023, swiping 26 bags. That extrapolates out to 42.5 stolen bases across 162 games. Pending injury, McCarthy surely won’t see that many games, but he is a valuable bench piece. He finished sixth overall in attempt percentage above average, meaning he was especially aggressive in taking the extra base. No major changes came to the Diamondbacks’ outfield in the offseason, so if we are to expect the 26-year-old to get around 100 or so games again, then get ready for another season of 25-30 stolen bags found on the cheap.
Brice Turang, MIL, 2B/SS, 373 ADP
Turang had a decent showing in his rookie season for the Brew Crew, stealing 26 bases in 137 games. Turang is expected to be in the starting lineup for the Brewers in 2024, giving him every opportunity to continue building on his thievery. Sophomore slumps do happen, so even if he takes a step back closer to 20, the Brewers are going to need all the runs they can get, likely encouraging a more aggressive approach on the basepaths. Especially if Turang is batting near the top or bottom of the lineup, there’s no harm in taking a flier on him and seeing what he can do for you.
Jarren Duran, BOS, OF, 222 ADP
Finally getting a decent stretch of games to show what this former highly-touted prospect can do, Duran came through with 24 stolen bases during the 2023 season. In 2024, someone is going to have to set the table for the Boston mashers, and Duran’s fleet-footedness will position him well to score and score often. Duran’s baserunning instincts are pure, as he was only caught twice in his 26 attempts. Duran’s confidence, especially between bases, should be in a good place after a solid year. He’s a household name at a bargain price.
Maikel Garcia, KC, 3B/SS, 289 ADP
Not to be confused with the Dominican third baseman Maikel Franco, this Venezuelan mans the hot corner and loves to run. He stole 23 bags in 30 tries, meaning he could learn to be a little bit more discerning in his attempts, but overall it’s hard to argue with a guy like this that you can nab this late. The Royals should be a markedly better squad this season, which means you should be on the lookout for Garcia being on the move all summer long. He won’t cost you much at all, and if your team is hurting for some speed, Garcia is a fine enough selection for your team.
Brenton Doyle, COL, OF
The light-hitting Doyle had a decent opening to his career in 2023, playing a stellar center field for the Rox, en route to winning the Gold Glove. And while he’ll be remembered for what he did with his glove, he should also be remembered for what he did with his feet. Doyle played in 126 games in 2023 and finished third overall in advance attempt percentage and second in safe percentage per opportunity. This is a dude who loves to be on the move and he rarely makes an out on the basepaths. Doyle managed to swipe 22 bases in 2023, so if his bat can come around just a little bit, he should see more opportunities for steals. Either way, he should be plenty available for your team to pounce in the later rounds.
Jon Berti, MIA, UTIL, 352 ADP
Like the others above, Berti can play all over the field, meaning he’ll be especially useful to the Marlins throughout 2024. The guy also put up a career year in 2023, thanks in large part to getting over 420 plate appearances in 133 games throughout the summer. In those games, the speedster nabbed 16 stolen bases, and given his decent splits of .294/.344/.405, Berti should be flying past the 16 stolen bases he had last season. Worth a flier late in the draft because he can fill in anywhere in your lineup.
Harrison Bader, NYM, OF, 376 ADP
The last guy on this list is a household name and not because he plays in Queens. Bader is a well-known commodity from his time in St. Louis and in the Bronx during his career and has shown an ability to get on base despite his poor on-base skills. While he isn’t quite the hitter he once was, Bader will likely get the bulk of appearances in center for the Mets, and could easily see himself shifted over to the corner outfield spots when needed. As a result, Bader should see plenty of ABs, which means plenty of chances to get on and run. If you’re looking for the one with the best chances to start, get you at least 20 steals, and not cost you a ton from the list here, Bader is your choice.