TAMPA – José Caballero finds himself at the center of a tense competition for the Yankees’ shortstop position as Anthony Volpe recovers from shoulder surgery performed last October. With Volpe expected to remain on the injured list through the start of the 2026 season, Caballero is poised to fill the role temporarily, sparking questions about whether he can hold the job for good amid uncertainty surrounding Volpe’s future availability.
Volpe, 24, has been the clear favorite for the shortstop role despite offensive struggles and significant defensive decline last season, much of which occurred while playing with a torn labrum. Caballero, known more as a dynamic utility player with speed and versatility from his time with the Mariners, Rays, and Yankees, is now tasked with proving whether he can keep that starting spot once Volpe returns, possibly as early as April.
Caballero’s Focus Remains on His Own Performance
After hitting a solo home run in a recent spring training game against the Mets, Caballero addressed the inevitable comparisons with Volpe candidly.
“I control what I can control. I’m gonna go out there and do my best every day, and they make the decisions,”
he said. When pressed further, he added simply,
“I got nothing else to say about that.”
Caballero’s approach emphasizes sticking to his own game rather than worrying about Volpe’s comeback timeline. He recognizes that playing consistently well is the best way to influence the team’s decision, especially since the Yankees have maintained strong faith in Volpe despite his surgery.
Strong Offensive Showing Fuels Caballero’s Case
Last season offered promising signs for Caballero after the Yankees acquired him from Tampa Bay. In 40 games with New York, he impressed with a 134 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) and an .828 on-base plus slugging (OPS), tallying three home runs and 15 stolen bases. His offensive contributions, combined with solid defense at shortstop, earned him more starts in September as Volpe struggled with injuries and treatment, including a cortisone shot.
Still, the Yankees eventually reinstated Volpe as their primary shortstop for the postseason, with Volpe starting every playoff game. Despite Caballero outperforming Volpe defensively during that stretch, management’s loyalty to the younger shortstop remains strong. Yankees executives including general manager Brian Cashman have consistently expressed commitment to Volpe as a key part of the team’s future.
Leadership Stresses Caballero’s Versatility and Confidence
Manager Aaron Boone has praised Caballero’s diverse skill set and valuable presence off the bench.
“He brings a lot of things to the table,”
Boone said, noting that the Yankees appreciate having Caballero as a multi-positional player late in games.
Boone added insights about Caballero’s playing style, saying,
“He’s just so good at so many different positions. There’s some fast-twitch in there. He’s so dynamic on the basepaths. He plays the game with a ton of confidence. Sometimes I gotta try and rein his confidence in a little bit, but it’s a gift that he’s got. Like when he’s out there, he thinks he’s the best player on the field. You need to have that to be a good big league player.”
Although the Yankees appear ready to have Caballero remain a key reserve, especially while Volpe heals and resumes his hitting program, the competition for the starting spot remains unsettled. Caballero maintains focus on helping the team regardless of his role.
“I’m just trying to be out there, trying to help the team and trying to do my best every day,”
he said.
Partnership with Jazz Chisholm Jr. Strengthens Infield Chemistry
An important factor for Caballero is reconnecting with second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., his double-play partner from the Yankees’ late-season lineup last year. The pair first developed chemistry in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ farm system, and both believe their familiarity benefits the team’s middle infield stability.
Chisholm shared their bond:
“We’re kind of used to each other from our Arizona days when we used to practice with each other. So it was easier to get into feeling that comfort and that rhythm of playing together again. We’re just having fun and enjoying every second of it.”
Echoing that sentiment, Caballero said,
“It’s a really good combination. Power, speed and dynamic in the middle. I think it’s a great fit for the team.”
The two have also developed strong communication on and off the field. Preparing for their upcoming World Baseball Classic appearances—Caballero for Panama and Chisholm for Great Britain—they recently had a “brother to brother talk” about the pressures and expectations of performing in New York.
Chisholm praised Caballero’s authenticity and approach to the big leagues:
“A lot of guys get to the big leagues or get to New York, and try to play a different game and not be themselves. And that’s the best thing about him: He comes out there and he is himself. He’s not afraid to be himself, and that’s what I feel like helps him with his overall game.”
Future Implications for Yankees’ Infield Stability
The shortstop competition within the Yankees highlights a deeper uncertainty about the team’s next steps at a critical position. While Anthony Volpe remains the established choice despite recent setbacks, José Caballero’s impressive showings demonstrate his potential to challenge that status upon Volpe’s return.
Whether Caballero can permanently take the starting role may hinge on his continued performance and the pace of Volpe’s recovery. For now, Caballero’s willingness to remain patient and play with confidence offers the Yankees a reliable option during this transitional period. The pairing of Caballero and Chisholm, along with the team’s faith in Volpe, sets the stage for a dynamic and closely watched battle for the infield’s middle ground as the 2026 season approaches.
A solo shot for José Caballero! 💪 pic.twitter.com/WpVFa6mwC3
— SNY Yankees (@snyyankees) February 22, 2026
