José Caballero, known for his speed and versatility, is drawing attention at the New York Yankees’ spring training for his potential power at the plate. Though he has hit 18 home runs in his Major League career, Caballero acknowledges that his power has not fully translated into game statistics.
“I have some power,” Caballero said after hitting a home run during the Yankees’ 6-4 Grapefruit League loss to the Mets at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “I know I haven’t showed that in the stats, but I know I can hit the ball hard.”
The home run came off Justin Hagenman in the third inning and offered a glimpse of what Caballero believes he can contribute offensively. As one of several Yankees players preparing for the World Baseball Classic, Caballero will represent Panama. He described this opportunity as “excellent for me,” adding, “I’m going to have the opportunity to compete at a 100% level, so I’m going to be in midseason form, ready for the beginning of the season.”
Caballero joined New York last July from Tampa Bay and is entering his first full spring with the team. With Anthony Volpe recovering from left shoulder surgery, Caballero is expected to start as shortstop on Opening Day.
This scenario would reunite him with second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., whom he played alongside in Arizona’s minor league system. “It’s a really good combination – power, speed and dynamic in the middle,” Caballero said about teaming up with Chisholm again. “I think it’s a great fit for the team. I’m just trying to be out there, try to help the team and try to do my best every day.”
Both players left Arizona on trade deadline day in 2019—Caballero went to Seattle while Chisholm was traded to Miami—and their relationship has continued since then.
“We’re kind of used to each other from the Arizona days when we used to practice with each other,” Chisholm said. “It was easy to get into feeling that comfort and rhythm of playing together again.
“It’s just fun. We were kids coming up together, growing up together. We get a chance to play in the big leagues as grown adults together. I feel like we’re just having fun and enjoying every second.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone sees value in their familiarity: “I’ve paired them together a lot,” Boone said. “For sure, early in the season, I want to get them working as much as possible. I expect them to be good.”
In his first 40 games with New York last season, Caballero posted a .266 batting average with an on-base percentage of .372 and slugging percentage of .456; he also hit three home runs, drove in nine runs and stole 15 bases. His total of 49 stolen bases led Major League Baseball last year; Caballero aims for at least 50 steals this season.
Asked about setting goals for home runs this year, Caballero replied: “We’ll see. I don’t have a number. I can’t be shooting for a number that I’ve never hit before. But double digits are a good thing.”
Chisholm added that he always saw potential power from Caballero: “He never swung for it in the Minor Leagues, but I always told him he had a little bit in there,” Chisholm said. “We’re still funny and goofy, but the difference is the physical strength. As a young kid, you think you’re the best. Now we’re better at listening to each other and everybody else.”
Anthony Volpe is expected by team officials to return as starting shortstop when healthy—possibly by May—though Volpe himself has not ruled out an earlier comeback.
Boone continues to describe Caballero as an important utility player: “He’s one of those guys that’s a really good complete-your-roster [player] for a winning club.”
Caballero says he focuses only on what he can control: “That’s out of my control,” he said regarding his role once Volpe returns. “I control what I can control. I’m going to go out there and do my best every day. They’ll make the decisions. Every day is important for me.”
