This story was excerpted from Alex Stumpf’s Pirates Beat publication. To learn the total publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it repeatedly in your inbox.
The Pirates’ shortstop had been efficient on the basepaths prior to now, stealing at the least 20 luggage in 2021 and ‘22, however he didn’t do a lot operating the next two seasons. He was price a mixed 6.3 baserunning runs in ‘21 and ‘22, in accordance with FanGraphs, however he adopted it up by being price 0 runs with the Yankees in ‘23 and solely 0.2 runs in 83 video games with the Blue Jays in ’24.
“That’s normally my recreation for the entire season,” Kiner-Falefa stated about swiping luggage. “I simply wasn’t capable of run within the first half of Toronto final 12 months, as a result of I simply didn’t really feel like I used to be quick sufficient.”
Kiner-Falefa knew he wanted to get faster, particularly because the Pirates have been projecting him to be their beginning shortstop. His answer was to do extra monitor and subject drills this offseason, coaching with collegiate gamers who have been preparing for the NFL Mix. He could not have the ability to sustain with the defensive backs and the large receivers now that he’s 30 years outdated, however the linebackers? He did simply high quality operating with them.
“There’s not many higher guys to run with,” Kiner-Falefa stated. “Seeing them run and leaping in there and attempt to sustain, I simply wished to get my explosiveness again, and I believe, thus far, it’s been good.”
The outcomes converse for themselves to date. Kiner-Falefa has been the Pirates’ greatest hitter on the younger season, batting .333 (6-for-18), and he’s additionally been one of many prime basestealers in MLB. After swiping simply three bases in over half a season with the Blue Jays, he’s already 4-for-4 in stolen-base makes an attempt this season. Among the many 30 Main League groups, 13 have fewer steals as a collective than him.
Kiner-Falefa and Oneil Cruz have been the highest two threats in what has been essentially the most aggressive baserunning group within the early a part of the season. Via 5 video games, Cruz and Kiner-Falefa had mixed for 9 stolen bases and 10 walks (Kiner-Falefa had 4 of every). In line with OptaStats, they’re the primary pair of teammates to achieve that stolen base and stroll complete over the primary 5 video games of a season.
It’s not simply that duo. The Pirates’ 17 stolen bases are essentially the most in baseball, with seven gamers taking at the least one bag. Baserunning was such a giant a part of Pittsburgh’s recreation plan in early 2023, nevertheless it was downplayed as soon as MLB counterpunched. Final 12 months, the Bucs have been environment friendly once they tried to steal a base (84.8% success price), however they completed with a below-average 106 steals.
This 12 months, they’re being way more aggressive once more. Supervisor Derek Shelton wouldn’t describe it because the “wild wild west” the place something goes, however they need to push the envelope when the scenario requires it. It could possibly be what this offense will likely be greatest identified for, and Kiner-Falefa is main the cost.
“I believe it’s all the things,” Kiner-Falefa stated. “We’ve a pair guys who can actually slug. In addition to them, all people’s received to do their half and do the little issues. Bunting, hit and run, stealing bases.”
These additional steals haven’t translated to many runs early for the Pirates, however they need to finally come in the event that they proceed to create these alternatives. Kiner-Falefa has been the group’s No. 9 hitter each recreation this season, a place that’s mainly a second leadoff hitter for every subsequent journey by way of the lineup. The highest of the order comes up at any time when he’s on the bottom, so if he can maintain amassing steals, it may yield good issues.
“I believe the aggressiveness, if we are able to simply maintain pounding it in, hopefully we are able to maintain constructing and begin pouring it on and maintain placing stress,” Kiner-Falefa stated.
