Juan Soto had a standout first year with the New York Mets, earning an A-minus rating earlier this offseason. He made a significant impact by leading the league in walks with 127 and finishing with an impressive on-base percentage of .396. Alongside these accomplishments, he hit a career-high 43 home runs and scored 120 runs, marking a pivotal year for the emerging star.
Juan Soto’s Stolen Base Stats: A Detailed Analysis
Despite his success in various offensive categories, Soto’s stolen base statistics tell a surprising story. In his first eight seasons, he only achieved double-digit steals twice, with a peak of 12 stolen bases in both 2019 and 2023. His performance dipped in 2024, where he managed only seven steals over 157 games.
However, Soto experienced a remarkable turnaround in 2025, when he stole an impressive 38 bases. This performance not only tied him for the National League lead but also placed him fourth in Major League Baseball overall. Such a leap in stolen bases is noteworthy, particularly considering Soto’s running metrics.
Speed and Performance Metrics
According to Baseball Savant, Soto’s sprint speed ranked in the 13th percentile, averaging 25.8 feet per second, which is below the MLB average of 27 feet per second. This speed placed him 507th on the leaderboard, especially when compared to Trea Turner, who led the league with a speed of 30.3 feet per second.
- Juan Soto’s Sprint Speed: 25.8 feet/second (13th percentile)
- MLB Average Speed: 27 feet/second
- Top Speed in MLB (Trea Turner): 30.3 feet/second
Supporting Factors Behind Stolen Base Success
Soto’s success in stealing bases can largely be attributed to the guidance of former Mets first base coach Antoan Richardson. After stealing his 30th base on September 9, Soto credited Richardson for his development, stating, “He’s been helping me since day one. I give him all the credit.”
The coaching philosophy employed by Richardson emphasized a blend of aggressiveness with smart execution, making the team’s base-running strategies more efficient. Despite this success, the Mets and Richardson have not come to an agreement on a new contract, raising concerns about the impact this coaching change may have on Soto’s future performance.
As Soto finished just two stolen bases shy of a potential 40-40 season, fans are optimistic about his ability to continue this exceptional performance in the 2026 season. His ongoing development could lead to even greater achievements in his career.
