✅ Yankees Finalize José Caballero Trade With Rays
It took a month and a half, but the New York Yankees have officially closed the book on the José Caballero trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.
When the deal went down before the trade deadline, New York sent outfielder Everson Pereira to Tampa Bay, along with a player to be named later. Now we know who that PTBNL is: outfield prospect Marshall Toole.
🔄 Who the Yankees Gave Up
Toole, a 2024 15th-round pick out of Wofford College, was quietly putting together an impressive minor-league campaign. In 96 games for Low-A Tampa this season, the 23-year-old slashed .305/.406/.479 with 5 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 44 stolen bases.
He’s not ranked among MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Rays prospects, but his on-base skills and speed make him an intriguing lottery ticket for Tampa Bay’s system.
⚡ What the Yankees Got
Caballero, meanwhile, has been a spark plug since arriving in the Bronx. With Anthony Volpe battling injuries and inconsistency, Caballero has stepped in as the Yankees’ starting shortstop — and thrived.
In 34 games, the 29-year-old has posted a .258/.351/.470 line with 3 homers, 8 RBIs, and a blazing 14-for-16 on stolen bases. Defensively, he’s also flashed leather, recording +3 DRS and +4 OAA across 324 innings at short.
And the kicker? Caballero is under team control through 2029, giving New York a cost-controlled, versatile defender who fits their aggressive style.
⚾ The Other Side
As for Pereira, he’s struggled in his Rays debut — hitting just .143 with 1 homer in 20 games. But at only 24, Tampa Bay will likely give him plenty of runway to figure things out.
🚨 Big Picture
For now, this deal looks like a win for the Yankees. Caballero has already made an impact in a playoff race, while the Rays are betting on development with Pereira and Toole.
👉 Bottom line: Caballero has quickly become a difference-maker in pinstripes — and if his hot start continues, this trade could go down as a quiet deadline steal for the Yankees.
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