FanGraphs Weekly Mailbag: August 16, 2025

I really like a big lad who steals bases. That’s why I used to be thrilled when my buddy Kevin submitted a mailbag query about Juan Soto’s base-stealing binge this season. I assumed Davy Andrews could be the proper particular person to reply Kevin’s question as a result of he’d already written in regards to the Mets’ stolen-base effectivity again in June. And I used to be appropriate; Davy was the proper particular person. So good, in truth, that he wrote an entire article about it as an alternative.

After I let Kevin learn about Davy’s piece, he adopted up with a query about Josh Naylor, who quite shockingly has stolen 22 bases as of Friday morning. After all, Naylor is now teammates with Cal Raleigh, one other gradual runner with double-digit steals. The subject was too wealthy for me to withstand, in order that’s the place we’ll start right now.

Earlier than we do, although, I’d like to provide a fast pleased twentieth birthday shoutout to FanGraphs! I’m certain David Appelman will probably be happy to know that I used to be 9 years outdated when he created and launched this excellent web site. Oh, and as all the time, I’ll remind you all that whereas anybody can submit a query, this mailbag is unique to FanGraphs Members. In the event you aren’t but a Member and wish to hold studying, you possibly can join a Membership right here. It’s the easiest way to each expertise the location and help our workers, and it comes with a bunch of different nice advantages. Additionally, should you’d prefer to ask a query for an upcoming mailbag, ship me an e mail at mailbag@fangraphs.com.