TAMPA, FL – José Caballero will begin the 2026 season as the Latest York Yankees’ starting shortstop, manager Aaron Boone confirmed Monday, as Anthony Volpe continues his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. The move places the 28-year-old Caballero in a key role for the Yankees as they await Volpe’s return.
Caballero joined the Yankees in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on July 31, 2025, in exchange for outfielder Everson Pereira and a player to be named later. In 40 games with the Yankees last season, he batted .266 with a .372 on-base percentage, three home runs, nine RBIs, and 15 stolen bases, according to team statistics.
While Caballero isn’t expected to permanently displace Volpe, who won the Gold Glove Award as a rookie in 2023, his versatility and speed have impressed Boone. “He plays the game with a ton of confidence,” Boone said, as reported by the New York Post. “Sometimes, I got to try to rein his confidence in a little bit, but it’s a gift that he’s got. When he’s out there, he thinks he’s the best player on the field.”
Caballero’s path to the Yankees began after signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks and progressing through their minor league system. He debuted in MLB with the Seattle Mariners in 2023, demonstrating his ability to contribute both defensively and on the basepaths. Over three seasons, Caballero has a career .228 batting average, .316 on-base percentage, 18 home runs, and 119 stolen bases.
The Yankees acquired Caballero, in part, because of Volpe’s struggles. Since June 1, 2025, Volpe slashed .188/.244/.392, with a wRC+ of 73, approximately 27 percent below league average, according to Sports Illustrated. He likewise led the league with 16 errors and posted a -6 Outs Above Average (OAA) rating.
Caballero’s contract with the Yankees extends through the 2029 season, with a salary of $2 million for 2026. He will be eligible for arbitration in each season from 2027 to 2029. While Caballero’s offensive numbers are not significantly higher than Volpe’s, his defensive prowess and exceptional baserunning – he tied for the league lead with 34 stolen bases in 2025 – make him a valuable asset.
“That’s out of my control,” Caballero said Sunday after hitting a home run in a spring training game against the Mets. “I control what I can control. I’m going to travel out there and do my best every day. They make the decision.”
The Yankees have indicated that, even if Caballero performs well, Volpe will be given an opportunity to regain his starting role upon his return from shoulder surgery. The team believes Caballero is at his best as a “10th man and a weapon off the bench,” according to the New York Post.
