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The Cuban gardener Luis Robert Jr of the Chicago White Sox became the new leader in stolen bases on Sunday in Major League Baseball, with 15 steals so far in the 2025 season, surpassing the Dominican Oneil Cruz (14) of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Robert Jr. continues to utilize his speed as a lethal weapon on the bases and on the eve he accumulated two steals in his team's 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros, a game shortened by rain.
The Cuban stole second base in the first inning and repeated the feat in the sixth, solidifying an impressive pace over the last eight games, where he has stolen 8 out of 9 attempts and is batting .345 (10 hits in 29 at-bats).
A few days ago, the speedy athlete became the first born in Cuba to achieve 10 stolen bases during the month of April. In a record unprecedented for players from the island, he surpassed José Canseco (1988), Leonys Martín (2014), and Randy Arozarena (2025), who previously held the best record, all with eight "steals" during the specified month.
Despite a generally modest offensive start—boasting an offensive line of .195/.313/.354, with 5 home runs, 15 RBIs, and 19 runs scored in 136 plate appearances—his contribution on the bases and in defense has been crucial for the White Sox.
Robert Jr. combines speed, aggression, and game vision, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous runners in baseball in 2025. If he maintains this pace, he could finish the season with over 60 steals, something that is not often seen in today's MLB, according to specialized journalist Francys Romero on the social network Facebook.
Although his offensive performance has not been entirely consistent at the start of the season, the player is making significant contributions in other aspects of the game, particularly as an aggressive baserunner and with a solid defensive effort in the outfield.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luis Robert Jr. and His Stolen Base Leadership in the MLB
How has Luis Robert Jr. managed to lead Major League Baseball in stolen bases in 2025?
Luis Robert Jr. has managed to lead Major League Baseball in stolen bases in 2025 thanks to his speed, aggressiveness, and game awareness, which has allowed him to accumulate 15 steals so far this season. His ability to seize opportunities on the field has been key to achieving this feat.
What record has Luis Robert Jr. established for Cuban baseball players in the MLB?
Luis Robert Jr. became the first Cuban-born player to achieve 10 stolen bases in the month of April, thereby surpassing the previous record of eight stolen bases held by José Canseco, Leonys Martín, and Randy Arozarena.
What has been Luis Robert Jr.'s offensive performance in the 2025 season?
Despite a subdued offensive start with a line of .195/.313/.354, Luis Robert Jr. has compensated for his performance at the plate with a remarkable showing on the bases and in defense, being an aggressive and effective base runner for the Chicago White Sox.
What is the impact of Cuban talent in MLB 2025?
Cuban talent has had a significant impact on MLB 2025, with 26 players born in Cuba present on the Opening Day rosters, reflecting their growing influence in Major League Baseball and the interest of American organizations in signing Cuban players, despite the political and immigration complexities.
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