The dynamics of stolen base attempts in Major League Baseball are greatly influenced by managerial intent, a factor often overshadowed by player skill. Last season, the Washington Nationals led the league in stolen base attempts under manager Davey Martinez, with players like Lane Thomas and Jesse Winker thriving in this aggressive environment. However, upon moving to teams with more conservative managers, both players saw their attempts drop significantly. This trend highlights the importance of managerial philosophies on a team's running game.

As we look forward to the 2025 season, four new managers are set to influence their teams' stolen base strategies. For instance, the Houston Astros under manager Espada have seen a decline in stolen base attempts from the previous season. The New York Mets, despite having key players like Francisco Lindor, struggled with running game efficiency. With each manager bringing different styles, the implications for fantasy baseball players are significant, especially for those tracking speedsters and potential base-stealers.