José Caballero hit a home run during the New York Yankees' 6-4 loss to the Mets in Grapefruit League play. The 29-year-old infielder believes he has untapped power potential despite modest career statistics. Caballero is poised to start at shortstop while Anthony Volpe recovers from surgery.
In Tampa, Florida, at George M. Steinbrenner Field, José Caballero homered in the third inning off Justin Hagenman during the Yankees' spring training game against the Mets on Sunday. This performance highlighted the untapped power observers have noticed in his batting practice. Caballero, who has 18 big league home runs, acknowledged, “I have some power. I know I haven’t showed that in the stats, but I know I can hit the ball hard.”
Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays last July, Caballero is in his first spring with the Yankees. With Anthony Volpe sidelined by left shoulder surgery, Caballero is the likely Opening Day shortstop. This role would reunite him with second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., a former Minor League teammate in the Arizona Diamondbacks' system. Both were traded on the 2019 Trade Deadline—Caballero to the Seattle Mariners for Mike Leake, and Chisholm to the Miami Marlins for Zac Gallen.
Caballero described the pairing positively: “It’s a really good combination – power, speed and dynamic in the middle. I think it’s a great fit for the team.” Chisholm echoed the sentiment, saying, “We’re kind of used to each other from the Arizona days... It’s just fun. We were kids coming up together.” Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted their familiarity could stabilize the infield early in the season: “I’ve paired them together a lot. I expect them to be good.”
In his first 40 games with the Yankees, Caballero batted .266/.372/.456 with three home runs, nine RBIs, and 15 stolen bases. His 49 combined steals led the Majors last year, and he aims for at least 50 this season. Regarding power, he said, “We’ll see... But double digits are a good thing.” Chisholm added, “He never swung for it in the Minor Leagues, but I always told him he had a little bit in there.”
Volpe is expected to return to shortstop around May, though he has not ruled out April. Boone praised Caballero as “a really good complete-your-roster [player] for a winning club.” Caballero responded, “That’s out of my control. I control what I can control.” Caballero will represent Panama in the World Baseball Classic, stating it will prepare him for midseason form at the season's start.
