Josh Naylor, a name that has recently made waves in Major League Baseball (MLB), is not your typical base-stealer. At 235 pounds, he stands out as one of the heaviest players in the league, capable of surprising everyone with his daring base-running skills. As of late July 2025, Naylor has posted an impressive 22 stolen bases this season, with 11 of those coming in just the past month alone. This remarkable feat has sparked interest in the world of baseball, as it raises questions about how a player often perceived as “big” and “slow” can excel in an area typically dominated by speedsters.
### The Unlikely Base Stealer
Traditionally, base stealing has been associated with players who possess incredible speed and agility. Josh Naylor, however, challenges that stereotype. Statcast measures his average sprint speed at 24.5 feet per second, ranking him 532nd out of 546 players who have been clocked multiple times. In comparison, MLB’s fastest player, Bobby Witt Jr., reaches sprint speeds of 30.3 feet per second. Given this disparity, Naylor’s performance is even more remarkable.
His base-stealing achievements can be likened to those of renowned speedsters like Elly De La Cruz and Jarren Duran, highlighting that raw speed is not the only asset in the game. Naylor’s success on the base paths is attributed to his keen understanding of the game—his baseball acumen, strategy, and ability to read pitchers and catcher tendencies.
### Preparation Meets Execution
Naylor’s approach can largely be described as a combination of intelligence and instinct. “It’s about not being afraid to fail,” Naylor explained, highlighting the mental side of baseball that often gets overlooked in discussions about athleticism. His brother, Bo Naylor, who plays catcher for the Cleveland Guardians, emphasized that Josh’s strength lies not in his speed but in his ability to read situations effectively, which has given him a unique edge.
Football may rely on pure physicality, but baseball demands a more nuanced skill set, especially when it comes to base running. Bo elaborated on the importance of “pattern recognition” and situational awareness that Josh has honed over the years. Growing up watching baseball with their father, who stressed the value of situational understanding, shaped Josh into the player he is today.
### Performance Against the Odds
No player has ever weighed 235 pounds and stolen 20 or more bases in an MLB season, making Naylor’s accomplishments unprecedented. His current success rate of 92% in stolen base attempts underscores both his ability and preparation. While he has been caught stealing only twice this season—once during an ill-fated attempt to swipe home—his confidence and strategic execution have led to a staggering 18 successful steals in his last 18 attempts.
Naylor’s transition to the Seattle Mariners in late July has further fueled his performance. Since joining the Mariners, he has continued to exploit opportunities against elite catchers, even stealing bases against Gold Glove winners like J.T. Realmuto and Patrick Bailey.
### A Family Connection
The upcoming matchup between the Mariners and the Guardians will be particularly impactful for Naylor, as he faces his former team. With his brother Bo expected to catch, the intrigue is set to reach new heights. The Naylor family plans to attend the games, and it’s likely that Josh will seize the opportunity to make a daring attempt to steal against his brother.
“Would I be shocked if he tried to steal a base against me? No, I wouldn’t be shocked,” Bo said, emphasizing the competitive spirit that runs in their family. It’s a lighthearted yet intense rivalry that could add another layer of excitement to the series.
### Changing Perceptions
Naylor’s achievements bring attention to a fundamental shift in how we view speed in baseball. His performance challenges traditional metrics that often reduce players to mere statistics. Being “fast” is no longer the only criterion for being a great base-stealer; instead, it’s about understanding the game, recognizing patterns, and having the confidence to take risks.
The modern game is evolving, and Naylor is at the forefront of this change. His ability to adapt and strategize in high-pressure situations is leading to discussions about the qualities that make for a successful base-runner today.
### Conclusion
Josh Naylor may not fit the mold of a traditional base stealer in MLB, but his story is one of resilience, intelligence, and adaptation in the sport. With his mix of strategic acumen and savvy execution, he not only defies expectations but also brings a fresh perspective on what it means to be a successful player in the major leagues.
As the season progresses, fans are left eagerly awaiting how he will continue to surprise us. Will he maintain his impressive success rate? And perhaps most intriguingly, how will his rivalry against his brother play out in the upcoming series? Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Naylor is redefining the base-stealing playbook, proving that sometimes, it’s not about how fast you run, but how smart you play.
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