Rays Speedster Eyes 100 Stolen Bases in Breakout Season

Chandler Simpson's base-stealing prowess could make him a top-of-the-order threat for Tampa Bay.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:42pm

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The Tampa Bay Rays are looking to their speedy outfielder Chandler Simpson to potentially reach a rare 100-stolen-base milestone this season. The 25-year-old stole 104 bases in the minors in 2024 and swiped 44 bags in the majors last year, and if he can improve his on-base percentage, he could become a game-changing weapon at the top of the Rays' lineup.

Why it matters

Simpson's ability to get on base and wreak havoc on the basepaths could be a major boost for the Rays as they look to contend in the AL East. Reaching triple-digit steals would cement him as one of the most dynamic players in baseball and a potential All-Star.

The details

In 2024, Simpson stole 104 bases in just 110 minor league games, showcasing his elite speed and base-stealing skills. Last season in the majors, he swiped 44 bags in 109 games, but to reach 100 this year he'll need to improve his on-base percentage from .325. If he can get on base more consistently, his speed could make him a nightmare for opposing pitchers and catchers.

  • In 2024, Simpson stole 104 bases in 110 minor league games.
  • Last season in 2025, Simpson stole 44 bases in 109 major league games.

The players

Chandler Simpson

A 25-year-old outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays who is regarded as one of the best base stealers in baseball.

Bradford Doolittle

An ESPN writer who highlighted Simpson's potential 100-stolen-base goal as a key question facing the Rays this season.

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What they’re saying

“Pivotal number: 100. That's a stolen base target for Chandler Simpson. He hit that mark in the minors in 2024 in just 110 games, so the skills are there. More important than the round number, though, is what it would mean for 2026: Simpson becoming entrenched as an everyday, top-of-the-order hitter who is manifesting his on-base skills at the big league level.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Writer

What’s next

If Simpson can improve his on-base percentage and continue to showcase his elite speed, he could become a game-changing player at the top of the Rays' lineup and potentially reach the rare 100-stolen-base milestone.

The takeaway

Chandler Simpson's ability to get on base and utilize his blazing speed on the basepaths could make him a breakout star for the Rays this season. Reaching 100 stolen bases would cement him as one of the most dynamic players in baseball and a potential All-Star.