Larger Bases and the Stolen-Base Boom
We track how stolen base totals and success rates shifted after the 2023 base-size change.
MLB enlarged bases from 15 to 18 inches in 2023, shortening effective base paths and lifting SB success rates.
League-wide stolen bases have increased 20-30% year-over-year since.
Faster Japanese players have benefited, with some posting career-high SB totals.
Power-speed players like Ohtani now have improved odds of repeating 40-40 seasons.