Red Sox prospect sets all-time MLB Spring Training stolen base record

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Braiden Ward, a Boston Red Sox prospect, has set the all-time record for most stolen bases in a single Spring Training with 17 and counting. The 27-year-old outfielder, who was a 16th-round draft pick by the Colorado Rockies in 2021, is enjoying a standout spring and has his sights set on making the major league roster as a speedy bench player.

Why it matters

While Spring Training records don't necessarily translate to regular season success, Ward's performance highlights his impressive speed and base-stealing ability, which could help him earn a spot on the Red Sox's major league roster as a versatile bench player known for his baserunning skills.

The details

Ward has stolen 17 bases so far this spring, breaking the previous single-season Spring Training record. He's done so in impressive fashion, sliding headfirst into bases and even picking up the bag like Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson. At 5'9" and 160 pounds, Ward isn't a prototypical power hitter, but his speed and base-stealing prowess could make him a valuable asset off the bench for the Red Sox.

• Ward set the new Spring Training stolen base record on March 12, 2026.

What’s next

Ward will likely open the 2026 season in either Double-A or Triple-A, and the Red Sox will be closely monitoring his progress as they consider whether to call him up to the major league roster at some point during the season.