Stolen bases are the shortcut you should still be taking

Steals are concentrated among a small number of players, which makes them more valuable than they look. Getting a real speed threat early can save you from chasing the category all season, often with bench players who do not help anywhere else.

Elly De La Cruz, Corbin Carroll and Bobby Witt Jr. are the dream versions of this idea. They help with steals without giving up much elsewhere, which is why they go so early and rarely come cheap in trades.

If you miss out on those names, look for useful regulars who run often. Several average contributors can match one star over a season, so long as they are getting steady at-bats.