The next time Red Sox outfielder Braiden Ward takes the field in Grapefruit League action, he could be etching his name into the history books.
Entering Thursday, Ward has stolen 16 bases for Boston since Spring Training started, which is tied for the most all-time. The 27-year-old has seen quite a bit of playing time this spring while Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, Masataka Yoshida, and Nate Eaton have all been away for the World Baseball Classic.
"I had no idea about it until I had 13 bags," Ward told Baseball Now. "Alex Cora brought up the record and told me to go get it done in front of everyone. The whole team is now behind it and wants me to get it done. They are trying to get me to Ricky Henderson it and pick up the bag after I do it like everyone cares. It would be a fun thing for the team, so I might do it if I can get it done."
Ward is coming off a season in 2025 where he stole 57 bases between Double-A and Triple-A, which tied a career high for him as a professional. His speed has always been on full display, dating back to his college days at the University of Washington, where he was the first player in PAC-12 history to lead the conference in stolen bases all four years.
While it is highly unlikely Ward finds his way on the Red Sox Opening Day roster, his speed and hot start at the plate could force his way to Boston at some point in 2026 if an injury or two occurs in the outfield.