The Cubs are third in MLB with 149 stolen bases, more than they’ve had in any season since 1990. They’ll pass that campaign with two more swipes and will catch the venerable 1984 Cubs with five more steals, leaving only the 1985 squad (182) with more steals in the last four decades. Even considering the new rules meant to spur more aggressive baserunning, this team’s numbers are pretty incredible given how the game has changed since the 80s.
It’s been clear that the Cubs are stealing more bases than usual, and my sense has been that doing so is a big contributor to their success.