Caballero, born August 30, 1996, stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 190 pounds. He bats and throws right-handed, and has demonstrated the ability to play shortstop, second base, third base, and, more recently, all three outfield positions. His athleticism and speed have set him apart: he led the American League with 44 stolen bases in 2023 and was the first Rays player to top the AL in steals outright since Carl Crawford in 2006. In the 2024 season, Caballero continued to excel on the basepaths, accumulating an MLB-leading 33 stolen bases in his first 83 games. He also set a franchise record with 13 steals of third base in a season.
Offensively, Caballero’s numbers have been modest, with a .226 batting average this season and a career average of .225. He has totaled 15 home runs and 204 hits over three MLB seasons, including two home runs and 53 hits so far this year. Despite not being a power hitter, his aggressive baserunning and ability to get on base—helped by an increased walk rate—have made him a valuable asset. Defensively, Caballero’s versatility has allowed him to start games at shortstop, second, third, and in the outfield, with advanced metrics showing he is an above-average defender, particularly in the infield.
Caballero’s journey to the majors was marked by perseverance, including overcoming injuries and pandemic-related disruptions. After his MLB debut with the Mariners in 2023, he quickly established himself as a dynamic player, finishing with 2.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in his rookie season. He is under team control through 2029 and will be arbitration-eligible for the first time this offseason, giving his new team, the Yankees, a controllable and energetic contributor for years to come.
For more details and statistics on José Caballero’s career, visit his Baseball Reference profile and follow his updates on Twitter.