Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson now holds the sole American League stolen base lead with 42 steals, pulling ahead of Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr., who had previously tied for the top spot at 41. The lead change was recorded on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and it stings a little here in Kansas City — Witt Jr. had a share of that crown, and now he's chasing instead of leading.
Bobby Witt Jr. Drops to AL Stolen Base Runner-Up After Simpson Reaches 42
The gap is slim — Simpson leads by a single stolen base, a margin of roughly 2.4% over the runner-up — but sole possession is sole possession. With the regular season winding down in mid-September, every opportunity on the basepaths carries added weight for both players.
Witt Jr. has been one of the most dynamic players at Kauffman Stadium this season, and the stolen base race has been a compelling subplot across the AL. Right now, though, it's Simpson's lead to lose.
What Royals Fans Need to Know
- Chandler Simpson (Tampa Bay Rays) now leads the AL with 42 stolen bases.
- Bobby Witt Jr. previously tied for the AL lead at 41 stolen bases.
- Simpson's margin over the runner-up is 2.4% — roughly one bag.
- The stolen base lead changed hands as of September 16, 2026.
- With the regular season in its final weeks, the race remains very much alive.
Witt Jr. will get his chances to reclaim the top spot. The Royals have games left to play, and he has the speed and instincts to make this a tight finish. Keep watching the basepaths.
