Yankees' Shortstop Picture Shifting: Jose Caballero Pushing for More Than a Utility Role
For much of the offseason, the conversation around the Yankees' shortstop position has centered on Anthony Volpe-his rehab, his return, and the assumption that the leadoff spot would be waiting for him once he’s healthy. But as pitchers and catchers prepare to report to Tampa, there’s a growing sense that the Yankees may be quietly preparing for a different outcome.
Volpe, still working his way back from shoulder surgery to repair a partially torn labrum that derailed his 2025 campaign, remains a question mark. And while the expectation has been that he’ll slide right back into his role once he’s cleared, the numbers-and the presence of Jose Caballero-suggest that might not be a given.
Volpe's Setback: More Than Just an Injury?
Let’s start with Volpe. Yes, the shoulder injury played a role in his struggles last season, but the drop-off wasn’t just noticeable-it was drastic.
Defensively, he went from Gold Glove-caliber to a liability almost overnight. His range ranked in the 8th percentile league-wide (via Outs Above Average), and his arm strength dipped to the 33rd percentile.
That’s a tough combo at shortstop, especially on a team built around pitching and defense.
And at the plate, things didn’t look much better. A .212 batting average and a 10th percentile expected batting average (xBA) paint the picture of a player who wasn’t just dealing with a nagging injury-he was struggling to contribute in any phase of the game. The Yankees have always been patient with young talent, but they’re also in win-now mode, and patience has its limits.
Caballero: Not Just a Stopgap
That’s where Jose Caballero enters the picture. Acquired from the Rays this winter, Caballero was initially viewed as a depth piece-a gritty, versatile infielder who could fill in across the diamond. But the more you dig into his profile, the more you realize he might be more than just a placeholder.
Caballero brings elite defensive chops to the table right now. He ranked in the 90th percentile in range and 74th percentile in arm strength last season-metrics that matter when you’re anchoring the infield. He’s the kind of shortstop who makes pitchers feel a little more confident about pitching to contact.
But what really sets Caballero apart is what he brings on the basepaths and in the batter’s box. He’s not a slugger like Volpe, but he knows how to get on base-ranking in the 90th percentile in walk rate-and once he’s there, he’s a problem.
With 49 stolen bases and a 92nd percentile Baserunning Run Value, Caballero brings an element of speed and pressure the Yankees haven’t had in years. He’s disruptive, in the best way possible.
Spring Training: More Than Just a Tune-Up
The Yankees still view Caballero as a super-utility option, but that title might not stick for long. If Volpe’s arm isn’t fully back by the time games start in March-and all signs point to him missing most, if not all, of spring training-Caballero could force the team’s hand.
Let’s say Caballero hits .260, plays elite defense, and continues to be a menace on the bases during Grapefruit League play. If Volpe is still rehabbing on the backfields, it’s going to be hard to justify sliding him back into the starting role right away. The Yankees love upside, but they also love reliability, and Caballero is offering a whole lot of that right now.
The Bottom Line
Volpe still has the higher ceiling. That power potential, when healthy, is real, and it’s part of what made him such a highly touted prospect in the first place.
But right now, Caballero is the better baseball player. He’s healthy, he’s dynamic, and he fits the mold of the modern Yankees-gritty, fast, and fundamentally sound.
This isn’t just a battle for backup reps. It’s a legitimate competition for the starting shortstop job. And if Caballero keeps doing what he’s doing, that “temporary” label might not last long.