Speedy Caballero to see time in outfield in spring games
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. 每 José Caballero is fast 每 and not just on the basepaths, but in picking up new positions. The utility infielder is adding notches to his belt this spring when it comes to where he can line up defensively, as the 2024 American League leader in stolen bases will see time at each outfield position throughout camp.
The Panama native got the start in right field during the Rays home opener at Charlotte Sports Park Saturday afternoon against the Red Sox, something Tampa Bay fans can expect to see as the precursor to the regular season plays out.
Caballero, now entering his third season, has played just two innings in the outfield at the big league level across 243 games. Nonetheless, the 28-year-old is ready to do whatever is asked of him.
"[I've been] thinking about it [for] a long time," Caballero said regarding reps in the outfield this spring. "Obviously I want to be a part of the team and try to contribute to the team as much as I can, and if the team is in need of an athletic guy, I'm going to be that guy."
Athletic Caballero is. He was first in the AL last season with 44 steals, doing so in over 100 fewer plate appearances than any of the trio of NL players that stole more (Elly De La Cruz, Shohei Ohtani, Brice Turang). Caballero also took the field for the fewest games (139) of any player in the top-9.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said he＊s confident in Caballero＊s ability to adapt to a new environment beyond the infield.
"He's been great," Cash said of Caballero's do-anything-for-the-team mindset. "We're asking a lot, but we're going to bet on the athleticism. He's a really premium defensive player that, I mean, just watching him shag, he's looked pretty comfortable out there. So to have that availability, it could really help us depending on how the roster decisions come down to the wire.
"He did so many good things defensively for us. We talked about offensively the role that he can play when he finds ways to get on base and the speed, and then to add that element to the outfield is really nice."
With the majority of his career spent at shortstop, third, and second base, Caballero took time this offseason to begin honing his skills in the outfield.
"I've been playing the outfield in different fall leagues," Caballero said. "And also at home, always messing around. [I] always try to see a different perspective and try to be in the outfield sometimes."
When asked if it＊s been an easy or difficult transition from the infield to outfield, Caballero seemed indifferent, simply focused on how he can help a Rays team that finished two games under .500 and fourth in the AL East last year improve. He said he feels most comfortable in center for now, but that he＊ll use Spring Training to sharpen his skills everywhere.
"I'm just here to do my best, and that's all I'm going to try and do out there," Caballero said. "I'm going to [go] out there and try to make the plays, try to help my pitchers, and try to contribute to my team.§
He＊s got quite the glove collection going at the moment, as his bag features a mitt for middle-infield, third base, and now, the outfield.
"It's fun. I have fun anywhere on the field," Caballero said.
Reaching base will be the most important thing for the speedster this year, as he can＊t utilize his quickness if he can＊t get on. In 483 plate appearances in 2024, Caballero hit just .227 with 133 strikeouts and an OBP of .283. He walked one fewer time in 2024 than he did in 2023 despite having 200 more plate appearances in ＆24. During winter ball, Caballero, by his own design, worked on identifying and adjusting to breaking balls.
At the end of last season, Cash spoke with Caballero about his "hitability."
"You watch the power that he shows, the speed that he shows, the adjustability at times with his swing. [We] think that another year underneath his belt is going to be better for him," Cash said.
Having a versatile bat in the lineup has been a mainstay of Rays teams in recent years. Caballero may be the latest to check that box.
"We've had that right-handed guy or left-handed guy -- they might not all be on the roster at the same time, but to have that versatility really helps for lineup construction and definitely late-game movement," Cash said.