How many stolen bases per year does Elly De La Cruz need to break Rickey Henderson’s record? A look into the shortstop’s future projections
Elly De La Cruz took the MLB by storm with an excellent start this season. The Cincinnati Reds shortstop is one of the rising stars who continues to put the league on notice with his outstanding baserunning.
Rickey Henderson holds the record for the most stolen bases in the MLB. The former baseball player recorded 1,406 stolen bases in 25 seasons played. Henderson's record has set the bar high and no player has come close. However, with Elly De La Cruz on the rise, he might just be the perfect candidate to break Henderson's record.
Cruz is 22 years old, and assuming that he might play for another 14 seasons until he's 35, he might be able to break Henderson's record. While it seems doable, the most important part is to stay healthy and consistent with his performance.
Cruz has stolen 65 bases in his career, out of which 30 came this season alone. With more than 100 games remaining, Cruz has enough time to increase his numbers this season.
Based on his consistency, health and future projections, Cruz will need a minimum of 100.42 stolen bases per season in the next 14 seasons to beat Henderson's 1406. 100 x 14 = 1,400, with an extra seven stolen bases, Cruz will set a new record.
Cruz is the leader in stolen bases this season and his number keeps improving in each game. Opposing teams have a challenging time on the mound when Cruz is on base.
Elly De La Cruz records career-high steals against the Dodgers
Elly De La Cruz took things further against the Dodgers with his electrifying speed on Thursday. Cruz recorded a career-high of four stolen bases. The slugger went deep from the plate with four hits.
With the help of Cruz, the Reds won 7-2 against the Dodgers. Cruz plays a vital role for the Reds and his consistency with stealing bases has been unmatched this season.
Cruz holds a batting clip of .277 with an OPB of .378 and an OPS of .894. With nine home runs and 22 RBIs, he drove in 35 runs in 155 appearances at the plate.