The Yankees are putting in the work this offseason, focusing on refining the batting stances of their players. Notably, Spencer Jones and veteran Ryan McMahon are making adjustments to enhance their performance at the plate. But it's Jose Caballero who’s tackling a particularly challenging issue head-on.
Caballero faced a tough 2025 with a bat speed that was so low it didn’t even earn a percentile ranking on Baseball Savant. Recognizing the need for improvement, Caballero dedicated his offseason to addressing this critical weakness.
The Driveline Baseball Approach
Caballero turned to Driveline Baseball in Tampa, a renowned facility known for its data-driven approach to enhancing swing mechanics. This wasn’t a random choice; Driveline has a reputation for helping players achieve measurable improvements.
The early signs are promising. In a preseason game against the Mets, Caballero launched a solo homer, showcasing the potential impact of his improved bat speed.
He’s aiming for an average bat speed of 71 mph this season, just shy of last year’s MLB average but a significant jump from his 2025 mark of 69.1 mph. While a 1.9 mph increase might seem minor, in terms of bat speed, it can lead to substantial improvements in offensive performance.
The Impact of Enhanced Bat Speed
Improving bat speed isn’t just about hitting more home runs. It has a ripple effect across Caballero’s offensive game.
His 2025 stats reveal areas needing improvement: a 6th percentile average exit velocity, a 9th percentile hard-hit rate, and a 23rd percentile barrel rate. Faster bat speed means hitting the ball harder and with better contact quality, addressing these weaknesses directly.
Last year, Caballero’s exit velocity was among the lowest in MLB, but it had already improved by 2.3 mph from 2024. If his work at Driveline can add another 2-3 mph, we could see a transformed hitter.
Caballero’s Strengths
Despite his struggles with bat speed, Caballero excels in other areas. His 92nd percentile baserunning run value highlights his prowess on the basepaths.
Defensively, he’s strong too, with a 90th percentile range and a 73rd percentile fielding run value. His speed, at the 73rd percentile, underscores his athleticism.
In 2025, he posted a .236/.339/.347 slash line with five homers and 49 stolen bases. But after joining the Yankees post-trade deadline, he elevated his game, hitting .266/.372/.456 with a 134 wRC+. His improved plate discipline was evident, and the Yankees are keen to maintain that level of offensive output.
Opportunity at Shortstop
With Anthony Volpe out until May due to surgery, Caballero has a chance to claim the shortstop position. If he can sustain his post-deadline production while adding more power, he could secure the role even after Volpe's return.
His 90th percentile walk rate shows his pitch recognition skills, and his ability to get the ball in the air is solid. The missing link has been the bat speed to drive those well-struck balls with more authority. If his offseason work pays off, Caballero could transition from a utility player to a reliable everyday shortstop.
The home run against the Mets is just one swing, but it’s a hopeful indication that Caballero’s hard work is translating into game performance. The Yankees need him to be more than a defensive asset-they need a credible offensive presence at shortstop. If his bat speed continues to improve, Caballero might just be the solution they’re looking for.