Red Sox Prospect Sets Grapefruit League Stolen Base Record

Braiden Ward celebrates his 17th stolen base like Rickey Henderson

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:53pm

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Boston Red Sox top prospect Braiden Ward set a new Grapefruit League record on Thursday by stealing his 17th base of the spring training season, breaking the previous record of 16 set by Eugenio Velez in 2008. Ward celebrated the achievement by taking the base with him, mimicking the iconic celebration of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.

Why it matters

Ward's impressive performance on the basepaths this spring has raised expectations for the young prospect, who is looking to earn a spot on the Red Sox's Opening Day roster. His speed and versatility make him an intriguing player to watch as the 2026 season approaches.

The details

Heading into Thursday's game, Ward was hitting .448 with four RBIs and 16 stolen bases. His 17th steal of the spring set a new Grapefruit League record, surpassing the previous mark of 16 set by Eugenio Velez in 2008. After reaching base, Ward celebrated by grabbing the base and holding it up, paying homage to Rickey Henderson's famous stolen base celebration.

  • On Thursday, March 12, 2026, Ward set the new Grapefruit League stolen base record.
  • In 2025, Ward appeared in 97 total games between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting .290 with 57 stolen bases.

The players

Braiden Ward

A top prospect in the Boston Red Sox organization, Ward is known for his speed and versatility, having experience playing all three outfield positions and every infield position except first base.

Rickey Henderson

A Hall of Fame baseball player known for his prolific stolen base numbers, Henderson famously celebrated breaking the MLB stolen base record by taking the base with him.

Eugenio Velez

A former MLB player who held the previous Grapefruit League record for most stolen bases in a single spring training season with 16, set in 2008.

Alex Cora

The current manager of the Boston Red Sox, who would be able to utilize Ward's speed and versatility if the prospect makes the major league roster.

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What they’re saying

“HISTORY! Braiden Ward has broken the spring training record with 17 stolen bases.”

— Jack Lautaret, Reporter (Chat Sports)

What’s next

Ward will look to continue his strong spring performance and earn a spot on the Red Sox's Opening Day roster. The team's manager, Alex Cora, will have to decide if Ward's speed and versatility make him a valuable addition to the major league club to start the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Braiden Ward's record-breaking performance in the Grapefruit League has showcased his elite speed and baserunning abilities, which could make him an intriguing prospect to watch as the Red Sox look to build a roster for the 2026 season. His celebration of the record-setting steal was a nod to one of the all-time greats, Rickey Henderson, further highlighting Ward's potential to make a similar impact at the major league level.