It's generally easier to steal 3rd.

Fun fact: the year Rickey stole 130 bases, he had just 7 steals in Sept/Oct.

Lost art? 24 players with 30 or more steals this season.

2024 MLB season
In 2024, MLB players stole 3,617 bases, the highest total in 109 years. This was due to new rules that made base stealing easier, such as limiting pickoff attempts and increasing the size of bases.

Improved success rate
Since the 1980s, MLB teams have had a stolen base success rate of at least 70% for 15 consecutive seasons.

Still a strategic play
Stealing a base is a strategic play that requires focus, speed, and confidence. While teams may not be stealing as often, they have become more efficient on the basepaths.

Players still steal bases
Some players, like Jose Altuve, are still stealing bases at a high level.