Yankees' José Caballero focused on what he can control as Anthony Volpe looms

Caballero expected to fill in at shortstop before Volpe returns from injury

Feb. 23, 2026 at 11:09pm

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José Caballero, primarily used as a pesky, speedy utilityman throughout his first three seasons with the Mariners, Rays and Yankees, is expected to fill in at shortstop before Anthony Volpe returns from injury. Caballero is focused on doing his best every day, rather than worrying about Volpe reclaiming the job.

Why it matters

Volpe has been the Yankees' starting shortstop despite struggling offensively and defensively last season. Caballero outperformed Volpe when given more playing time late in the season, raising questions about the team's commitment to Volpe as the long-term solution at the position.

The details

Caballero posted a 134 wRC+ and an .828 OPS to go along with three homers and 15 stolen bases over 40 games for the Yankees last season after being acquired from the Rays. He earned more starts at shortstop in September as Volpe struggled, but the Yankees handed the position back to Volpe by season's end. Caballero is expected to fill in at short before Volpe returns from shoulder surgery, possibly in April.

  • Volpe underwent shoulder surgery in October 2025 and will start the 2026 season on the injured list.
  • Caballero is expected to fill in at shortstop before Volpe returns, possibly sometime in April 2026.

The players

José Caballero

A 29-year-old utility player who was acquired by the Yankees from the Rays last season and is expected to fill in at shortstop before Anthony Volpe returns from injury.

Anthony Volpe

The 24-year-old Yankees shortstop who has struggled offensively and defensively but has been staunchly supported by the team's management. He underwent shoulder surgery in October 2025 and will start the 2026 season on the injured list.

Aaron Boone

The Yankees' manager, who has repeatedly praised Caballero's unique value as a bench player and said the team wants to have his skills late in games.

Brian Cashman

The Yankees' general manager, who has said that Volpe will be "part of the solution" despite his struggles.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

The Yankees' second baseman, who has a pre-existing relationship with Caballero from their time in the Diamondbacks' farm system and believes their familiarity will help them on the field.

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What they’re saying

“That's out of my control. I control what I can control. I'm gonna go out there and do my best every day, and they make the decisions.”

— José Caballero (courant.com)

“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.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager (courant.com)

“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.”

— Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees Second Baseman (courant.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.