PHILADELPHIA – With the uptick of faster prospects coming through MLB’s pipeline, it’s no surprise more aggressiveness is being shown on the base paths. Bryson Stott is one player who consistently exhibits this attitude as he helped MLB tie a league-wide record of 3,000 stolen bases when he swiped his 28th bag of the year against the Marlins on Friday night.
Bryson Stott helps the MLB make history
Catchers may be kicking themselves for aiding in the revival of this achievement but it also comes with a few other notable facts that may surprise you. This mark was last recorded during the 2012 season when a then-healthier Mike Trout led the league with 49 stolen bases en route to winning AL Rookie of the Year. The other top five stolen base leaders that season? Rajai Davis (46), Everth Cabrera (44), Michael Bourn (42), Jose Reyes and Ben Revere (40). Talk about a backstop’s worst nightmare.
Bryson Stott ranks 11th in stolen bases on the year with 28 to his name.
Who is Bryson Stott?
Bryson Stott made the Major League roster to start the 2022 season, but had no guarantee for playing time and had to work every step of the way as the Phillies also had Jean Segura and Didi Gregorius on the roster. Splitting time between second base and shortstop, Stott started 116 games on the year, hitting for a .234 average and a .653 OPS.
The 25-year old has started all but 13 games at second base for the Phillies this season, providing not only stability but one of the most consistent bats out of the position since the days of Chase Utley. The future certainly seems bright for Bryson Stott.
Why are there so many stolen bases now?
You could attribute the rule changes for the 2023 season as being the biggest driver behind the uptick in stolen bases. The largest change is seen with the implementation of the pitch clock which now gives pitchers only 20 seconds to go from the mound to home with a runner on base.
Another notable shift would be the limit of two pick-off attempts per batter in order to speed up the game and cut out consecutive attempts to the same runner. I was skeptical of the new rules since I’m a traditionalist of the sport but I must say, this has definitely been one of the best things for baseball.
Adding to history, first-time father Trea Turner sent a moonshot into the left field stands Friday night to mark his 7th homer in his last eight games. It seems the standing ovation from the Philly Phaithful has catapulted the shortstop into a frenzied finish with the postseason on the horizon. Phils remain in the top Wild Card spot and could play a multitude of teams as the standings come down to the wire.
Bryson Stott & Phillies Looking for Redemption against Miami
Last night’s 3-2 loss against the Marlins wasn’t what you’d like to see with only a month left in the regular season but the Phightins shouldn’t lose sleep over it. With longtime veteran-turned-MLB journeyman Johnny Cueto (1-3, 5.54 ERA) taking the bump for Miami, this could be a nice victory in the books. When he last met Philly, it ended with four runs surrendered in six innings and a 2-4 loss for the Blue Fish.
Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.55 ERA) will be opposite Cueto tonight as he currently rides a four-game win streak in his last five starts. In that same span, however, he has surrendered four round-trippers (two against San Fran) and sits top six in the league in most home runs allowed this season amongst qualifying pitchers. Regardless, he’s been delivering quality starts as of late and all cylinders have been firing for Philly which will only make for a dominant win tonight.
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