Yankees' Jose Caballero could be a major steal for fantasy owners this year

Ahead of the trade deadline last season, the New York Yankees acquired Jose Caballero in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. They needed a sure-handed shortstop to take over for Anthony Volpe, who was underperforming and dealing with a partial labrum tear. 

He played in 40 regular-season games, hitting .266/.372/.456 with three home runs, nine runs batted in, and 15 stolen bases. Combine that with what he did with the Rays earlier in the season, and he finished with 49 steals, the MLB stolen base leader. 

He will perform as the Yankees' starting shortstop to begin the season, with Volpe still expected to be out. After that, he will likely bounce from shortstop, second, and third base, and should get plenty of at-bats this year. 

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Yankees' Jose Caballero could be a major steal for fantasy owners this year

Many MLB fantasy drafts are happening this week with the conclusion of the World Baseball Classic. Owners are starting to get their big boards ready, trying to find that ultimate sleeper pick this year. 

With his speed, ability to play multiple positions, and increased bat speed, ESPN's Tristan H. Cockcroft suggests Caballero could be an absolute steal. 

"He's the Yankees' starting shortstop, at least until Anthony Volpe's projected return from the shoulder surgery roughly one month into the season. Caballero is a sound defender -- one who qualifies at four fantasy positions -- who led the majors in stolen bases in 2025. However, what really stands out are his 56 point OBP jump last season as well as his 2026 goal of boosting his bat speed to roughly the league's 71.7 average. He might no longer be a one-category speedster."

Caballero is looking to evolve his game this season, and you don't want to be the person who misses out on this. If he's available in the late rounds, he should be a player that every fantasy owner should seriously consider.

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