Chandler Simpson now stands alone atop the American League stolen base leaderboard. The Tampa Bay Rays outfielder reached 42 stolen bases on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, moving past Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. — who had tied for the lead at 41 — to claim sole possession of the AL crown. With the regular season winding down, Simpson holds a 42-to-41 margin over the runner-up, a gap of roughly 2.4 percent that is slim but his alone to protect.
How the Leaderboard Stands
The numbers are straightforward. Simpson sits at 42. Witt Jr. sits at 41. One stolen base separates them, and right now that stolen base belongs to a Ray. Simpson has been active on the roster since April 16, 2026, and has turned his speed into the most productive base-stealing campaign in the American League this season.
What This Means for the Rays
Stolen base titles are not handed out on September 16, but this is a real milestone worth tracking. Simpson has the lead, the legs, and the games remaining to hold it. Whether he can extend that margin before the final out of the regular season is the question. Witt Jr. is not going away — he is one of the most dangerous baserunners in the league — and a one-steal cushion is razor-thin.
- Chandler Simpson, Tampa Bay Rays: 42 stolen bases (AL lead)
- Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: 41 stolen bases (AL runner-up)
- Margin: 1 stolen base, approximately 2.4 percent ahead of runner-up
Keep an eye on Simpson's at-bats and green lights down the stretch. One bag at a time, and this AL title is his to lose.
