But something was different Friday, as Buxton told third base coach Tommy Watkins during a break in the action that he was stealing third base. And he did.
Will there be more to come?
“Who knows?” Buxton said. “Why would I give up that information while I’m still playing, man? Can’t give you that.”
Buxton could tell opposing pitchers he’s going to steal bases and still steal bases. He has been successful on 27 consecutive stolen base attempts, closing in on his personal high of 33. For his career, he has been successful on 90.5% of his attempts, the highest success rate in major league history for anyone with at least 100 stolen bases.
Why doesn’t Buxton have more than 21 steals this season? He doesn’t get to first base enough. When he touches the ball, it is an extra-base hit. Buxton’s .550 slugging percentage is second only to Aaron Judge among American League outfielders. (Yes, Buxton should be up for a Silver Slugger award this year, too.) And Buxton has only 35 walks on the season, although that total is three short of his career high.
So to get to 30 stolen bases, he must attack third base.