5 greatest baserunning threats in Boston Red Sox history

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 30: Jacoby Ellsbury #2 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Six of the 2013 World Series at Fenway Park on October 30, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 30: Jacoby Ellsbury #2 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Six of the 2013 World Series at Fenway Park on October 30, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Red Sox Mookie Betts
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 04: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at Fenway Park on September 04, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts

Mookie Betts has never been among the elite at stealing bases with a career-high of only 30 but he provided steady production in that department. He topped 20 steals in each of his first four full seasons with the Red Sox and that consistency was enough to rank him ninth in franchise history with 126 steals.

Betts is one of the best all-around performers in recent memory. Speed was only one of the elements that made him an impressive five-tool talent but it’s an important factor. During his MVP campaign in 2018, Betts became only the second player in Red Sox history to reach 30+ home runs and 30+ steals in a season. He also had a pair of 20/20 seasons in Boston.

His career and single-season totals aren’t as impressive as the other candidates on this list but Betts was highly efficient with a success rate of 83.4% during his six seasons with the club.

Betts has always been an incredibly smart baserunner. More so than anyone on this list, his value on the base paths extends beyond stolen bases. He knew when to take the extra base and rarely made bonehead decisions that proved costly to his team. His 42.8 BsR during his tenure with the Red Sox is by far the best in franchise history.

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