BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 11% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: The Rays acquired Jose Caballero in the offseason from the Mariners after Wander Franco was put on the Restricted List stemming from an alleged relationship with a minor and after Taylor Walls had hip surgery in October. Caballero was expected to be the Opening Day starter (and was) at shortstop, but the Rays also then acquired veteran Amed Rosario who could potentially cut into Caballero's playing time.
Instead, Rosario has been more of a utility player, seeing time in right field and second base, in addition to spelling Caballero at shortstop twice. After a three-hit game Friday, Rosario is now 7-for-27 (.259) in 2024, so he's not exactly pushing for more consistent playing time. Caballero on the other hand is doing his part to stay in the lineup, with at least one hit in six of seven games he's played (7-for-23, .304), has an OBP of .346, and has four stolen bases already.
Here is what #Rays shortstop Jose Caballero had to say to Andy & Neil live from the dugout postgame! pic.twitter.com/f2sTOTwUSe
— Rays Radio (@RaysRadio) March 31, 2024
Caballero had one of the highest stolen base rates in 2023, and if he can earn the right to stay in the lineup even after Walls returns, then he could end up being one of the league-leaders in stolen bases. The 27-year-old has yet to hit a home run in 2024, although he does have one double, but worked this spring on pulling the ball more in an effort to produce more power. If that begins to bear fruit, that'd be all the more reason to continue to give him at-bats.
Caballero is available in almost 90% of Yahoo leagues. Managers in need of steals would be wise to pick him up, especially given his eligibility at second base which affords greater lineup flexibility.
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