What is the difference between RBI and runs scored?

An RBI is credited to the batter whose plate appearance brings a runner home; a run is credited to the man who crosses the plate. Both depend on the rest of the lineup: a cleanup hitter with three men on base all year piles up RBI, and a leadoff hitter who reaches base 250 times scores runs because someone behind him hits. A home run is the only play that awards its hitter one of each.

RBI (RBI) in full Runs (R) in full

Where they disagree: 2026 MLB RBI leaders

The league's top 10 in RBI, with what each one did in R and where that ranked.

2026 MLB RBI leaders, with their R
Player	RBI	R	R rank
Alec Burleson	111	85	38
Sal Stewart	110	85	38
Pete Crow-Armstrong	107	118	1
Pete Alonso	105	92	20
Jordan Walker	100	94	16
CJ Abrams	99	90	24
Yordan Alvarez	99	98	8
Rafael Devers	98	88	30
Junior Caminero	97	96	12
Kyle Schwarber	95	93	18

2026 regular season, qualified players only. Ranks are among the players who qualified in R.