How Many Stolen Bases Does Have?

Whit Merrifield have 40 stolen bases in 2021.

Whit Merrifield, a Royals superutility player, exploded onto the limelight in 2017, leading the American League in doubles and home runs while simultaneously leading the league in stolen bases with 34.

Whit Merrifield has 40 stolen bases this season, trailing only A’s Starling Marte (45) in the majors.

Merrifield has not only hit 41 doubles and stolen 40 bases this season, but it is his second 40-40 season.

Merrifield last did it in 2018, when he hit 43 doubles and swiped 45 bases, leading the majors with 45 thefts. His double 40-40’s put him in an exclusive club.

Merrifield is also one of only two Royals to ever reach the 40-40 mark, joining Johnny Damon. Damon led the American League with 42 doubles and 46 stolen bases in 2000.

Merrifield’s two 40-40 seasons are made all the more astounding by the fact that his 28.6-feet-per-second sprint speed ranks No. 88 in the majors among qualified players, second only to Edward Olivares of the Royals, according to BaseballSavant. Merrifield is a clever and savvy baserunner, despite his lack of eye-popping speed.

Whit appears to be capable of almost anything, and he is willing to go above and beyond to assist his teammates.

This is why he has risen to the position of leader that he now has. Not only because he is a fantastic player, but also because he understands what he needs to do to help his club return to the playoffs.