Five players who’ll continue rise of power-speed hybrids in MLB
For years, baseball was moving toward a game built purely on power and analytics. Home runs and strikeouts dominated.Â
But today’s stars — perhaps most prominently Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers — are breaking the mold, bringing back an exciting blend of power and speed.
They’re reminiscent of past stars such as Rickey Henderson (four seasons of at least 20 HR, 53 SB), Alex Rodriguez (42 HR/46 SB in 1998) and Barry Bonds (five seasons of 30-30 and a 40-40 campaign in 1996).
MLB is witnessing a resurgence of the power-speed combination, and it’s changing how teams approach the game. The presence of these dual-threat players forces managers to adjust their strategy, valuing versatility and athleticism as much as raw power.
Acuna Jr. and Ohtani have made this dynamic style of play look cool again. Here are five other players who can dazzle at the plate and on the basepaths. All statistics through Wednesday’s games.
RF Fernando Tatis Jr. | San Diego Padres
After missing the 2022 season due to a PED suspension, Tatis Jr. returned in 2023 and quickly reestablished himself as a dual threat. He hit 25 home runs and stole 29 bases, finishing 14th in MVP voting.Â
It’s only right that Fernando Tatis Jr. goes yard on his bobblehead day pic.twitter.com/94VJ1LaAL4
— MLB (@MLB) September 19, 2024
While injuries have limited his output in 2024, at just 25, Tatis (19 HR, 10 SB) could still develop into a consistent 30-30 player.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City RoyalsÂ
Witt Jr. joined the 30-30 club in 2023 with 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases, then became the first shortstop to record multiple 30-30 seasons in 2024 (32 HR, 30 SB).Â
Stolen base No. 30 for Bobby Witt Jr.
He is the first shortstop in MLB history with multiple 30/30 seasons. pic.twitter.com/qKf0kwfeht
— MLB (@MLB) September 17, 2024
Witt is redefining the role of a shortstop with his rare combination of power and speed, all while complementing those offensive abilities with elite defense.
OF Corbin Carroll | Arizona Diamondbacks
Carroll has 21 homers and 29 stolen bases, following a 2023 season in which he had 25 home runs and stole 54 bases.Â
Corbin Carroll has two homers in two innings in Colorado! pic.twitter.com/bXTww7hGGq
— MLB (@MLB) September 18, 2024
Carroll joined Witt Jr. as the 11th player in AL/NL history to post multiple 20-20 seasons by his age-23 season.
RF Kyle Tucker | Houston AstrosÂ
In 70 games this season, Tucker has 20 homers and 11 stolen bases. He might not grab as much attention as other players on this list, but his 25-plus home run, 25-plus steal seasons are the kind of quiet production that makes the Astros a perennial contender.Â
Tucker achieved the 20-20 mark in back-to-back seasons — 2022 (30 HRs, 25 SBs) and 2023 (29 HRs, 30 SBs).
Kyle Tucker hammers a pinch-hit home run on the first pitch he sees! pic.twitter.com/LBUQ5XK12J
— MLB (@MLB) September 15, 2024
Though injuries have limited him in 2024, Tucker is still young enough to return to those levels in future seasons.
IF/OF Jazz Chisholm Jr. | New York Yankees
Chisholm Jr. is a player whose swagger and explosiveness make him one of the most entertaining players to watch when healthy. He can hit, steal and cover ground in the outfield, all while bringing flair to the lineup.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. has WHEELS! #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/5LSuoZTgzk
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) August 13, 2024
With time divided between the Marlins and the Yankees, Chisholm Jr. has 22 home runs and 36 stolen bases this season. At just 26, Chilsolm Jr. gives the Yankees reason for optimism about more power/speed seasons from him.
