The race for most team stolen bases in MLB could come down to these four NL Central teams

As we cross into May, the 2025 MLB regular season is shaping up just as the projections suggested in the National League Central. Through 30-plus games, three teams are sitting above or exactly at the .500 mark: the Cubs, the Reds, and the Brewers. The Cardinals and Pirates aren’t out of the picture, but the top of the division has lived up to its billing as a three-headed race. But while the standings are crowded, there’s another race unfolding on the base paths.

The NL Central isn’t just competitive in the win column — it’s dominating the league in stolen bases. Through the first months of the season, four of MLB’s top six teams in steals all reside in the Central. The Cubs are leading the pack with 44 swipes, and the Brewers are right behind them at 40. Even the Reds — who led the majors with 190 stolen bases in 2023 — remain in the mix, albeit with a more conservative approach this season despite having dynamic runners like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain.

The Brewers finished second in steals last year with 217, and they are once again proving that their baserunning prowess is no fluke. Unlike some teams that rely on one or two speedsters, Milwaukee’s speed attack is spread across the roster. Of their 40 stolen bases, 12 different players have chipped in. Brice Turang leads the charge with eight, followed closely by Sal Frelick (seven) and Christian Yelich (six).

The Brewers are running their way into contention

The Brewers' ranking among MLB's top three in Speed Score — a composite metric that evaluates stolen base efficiency, frequency, and overall baserunning value — isn’t just a trivia stat. It’s a reflection of who they are. This team, under manager Pat Murphy, has fully embraced a style that revolves around pressure, pace, and exploiting every inch of the basepaths.

It’s also a smart adjustment to the modern game of baseball. With larger bases and new pickoff rules creating more opportunities to run, teams that can turn up the heat are gaining a real edge. While other clubs are still figuring out how to implement these changes, the Brewers are already sprinting ahead.

Brice Turang, who swiped 50 bags last year, has set the tone once again — combining high contact with chaos around the bags. Even veterans like Yelich are getting in on the act, helping Milwaukee create run-scoring opportunities in ways that don’t rely solely on power.

This isn’t meant to be a fun subplot. It could be a key reason the Brewers remain contenders down the stretch. In a highly competitive division race, expect the Brewers to keep applying pressure — and don’t be surprised if they wind up leading the league in steals by the end of the season.