Let’s talk about the need for speed and identify some players that can get you a few cheap steals as the 2017 season draws to a close. It’s been one heck of a ride, but we aren’t done yet! Even though we are talking speedy guys, take your time reading this article! If you punted stolen bases, well, then maybe this isn’t your cup of tea, but for those of you looking to gain an edge in this vital category, listen up. Read up. Learn! Let’s get into the meat and potatoes, here!

STOLEN BASES

Tim Anderson, SS CHW – Anderson has hit safely in his last 11 games, swiping seven bags during that span. He has just 14 stolen bases on the season and seven have come since the 10th of this month! Anderson is running and running wild. He’s been caught just once this year, and since the start of 2016, he’s 24-for-27 on the basepaths. He doesn’t run a ton, and with this sort of success, I’m honestly not sure why he doesn’t run more. In 2015, he stolen 49 bases in 125 games at the Double-A level. His on-base percentage is down this season, so he doesn’t have as many opportunities, but still, 14 stolen bases in just under 140 games isn’t indicative of his speed. He can move, folks. Regardless, he’s probably the most influential free agent pickup in terms of stolen bases at this point of the season.

Erick Aybar, SS SD – Aybar is 33 years old and even though he’s slowing down, and already has considerably, his two stolen bases a few nights ago gave him 10 for the season. He’s running a bit more than most people anticipated at this time and the guy is owned in under one percent of ESPN fantasy baseball leagues. Under one percent! If you are in a very deep format, or NL-only, Aybar should be on your team. Yes, it’s only for steals, but it’s valuable. If you need a cheap stolen base or two in the waning days of your fantasy championship matchup, Aybar is your guy.

Kolten Wong, 2B STL – Wong is hitting just .208 over the last month and an even worse .125 over the past two weeks, but he does have four stolen bases during that timeframe. He does provide some help in other statistical categories, but right now, you’re only adding the middle infielder for speed. Wong is owned in just over seven percent of ESPN fantasy leagues and if you’re in the need for speed, you can’t go wrong with Wong. Double rhyme right there, but I digress. Wong may only have eight stolen bases on the year, but he could reach double-digits within the next few days.

Taylor Motter, SS/SEA –Motter’s playing time is few and far between at this point, but the fact remains that he will run when he gets the opportunity. Over the last month, he has just four hits and one walk, but he has three stolen bases during that time. To be frank, he’s going to hurt you in a bunch of categories, pretty much every statistical category that isn’t stolen bases. Motter can’t hit lefties, and his sole fantasy value at this juncture of the season is his ability to swipe when a bag, you know, when he does find his way on base. He’s only applicable in deeper formats, but the potential for a cheap steal is certainly there.

Stay tuned for next week’s edition of Category Impact. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@colbyrconway) as well.