Yankees’ biggest flop to begin 2026 MLB season

There’s been a lot to like about the New York Yankees’ start to the 2026 season. Solid starting pitching, improved situational awareness, and genuine talent have drawn numerous eyes to the Bronx. Still, those eyes have not loved all of the team’s components, especially after a series loss to the Athletics.

New York’s bullpen has caused occasional concern early, but Jose Caballero’s play at shortstop has momentarily squashed any debate as to whether or not he could permanently nab the job. It would be difficult to project whether or not his Yankee tenure will fall short of initial expectations; one can easily make the case that he is no longer on the trajectory to exceed expectations.

Jose Caballero was brought in to provide energy

The 29-year-old was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Yankees before last season’s deadline in exchange for outfielders Everson Pereira and Marshall Toole. Upon his arrival, Caballero brought with him a reputation as a pesky contributor.

Across a career-high 139 games with the Rays in 2024, Caballero led the American League with 44 stolen bases. According to Baseball Savant, he ranked in the 75th percentile in terms of sprint speed, the 91st percentile in range, and the 83rd percentile in fielding run value.

All told, he served Tampa Bay well as a strong utility option. Once he was traded to New York, he continued to show hustle on the bases and serviceable defense when shortstop Anthony Volpe needed a day off or was injured.

Over 40 regular-season games with the Yankees last season, he nabbed 15 bases, earned an .828 OPS, and mashed three home runs. By the time their postseason run had concluded, there was a subset of both fans and pundits who wondered what Caballero could accomplish over a full 162-game slate in pinstripes.

The Yankees have had to use Caballero more than they initially anticipated

There is a staunch difference between being an everyday player and a utility man who will find moments to leave their mark. With Volpe out to begin the season while he recovers from a torn labrum, the Yankees have turned to Caballero daily.

The results have not been awful considering Caballero’s overall profile, but have not come close to matching what some thought he could provide towards the end of last year. Through his first 11 games of 2026, Caballero has posted a .362 OPS, stolen five bases, and committed two errors.

He has not yet graced the base paths often enough to use his speed, and has had more time in the field to make mistakes that observers might not have noticed during his initial stint in New York.

For better or worse, Caballero and Volpe are much different players. Volpe’s deficiencies, whether at the plate or in the field, are often rendered momentarily mute because of the pop he brings from time to time.

The former first-round pick blasted 19 home runs last season. While this is not a large quantity, it is more than what Caballero can give. It might be an unfair comparison, but in today’s game, any amount of slug can absolve most issues.

New York did not foresee having to use Caballero to the degree they have. While he will certainly get more opportunities to showcase the best parts of his game, his start to the new year has not been what a portion of people thought was possible at the tail end of 2025.

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