NEW YORK – José Caballero was about to take some swings in the batting cage, steps from the visiting dugout at Yankee Stadium, when he felt a tap on his shoulder that changed everything. Soon, the infielder was exchanging goodbyes with hugs and handshakes, preparing to join a new team.
He didn’t have to travel far. Even in one of the most active Trade Deadlines in recent memory, Caballero’s midgame swap -- shedding his Rays uniform, packing his bags, and walking through the Yankees clubhouse doors during New York’s 7-4 victory in the Bronx -- will be remembered.
“Everything happened so quickly,” Caballero said. “You have to pick up and move over, switch teams. And now you’ve got to give your best and hopefully bring a championship to this city -- something that I’m sure the fans are expecting, and have been expecting for a long time.”
TRADE DETAILS
Yankees get: INF José Caballero
Rays get: OF Everson Pereira, PTBNL or cash
The deal was consummated after a two-hour, 45-minute rain delay. Rays manager Kevin Cash was the first to inform Caballero of the deal; Tampa Bay infielder Taylor Walls and infielder Brandon Lowe were among those who seemed surprised -- not just by the trade, but where Caballero was headed.
“I’ve said it for many, many years now,” Cash said. “Cabby does a lot to help you win baseball games, whether it's defensively or on the bases, coming up with the big hit here and there.”
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Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he’d heard Caballero’s name in trade talks and noticed the commotion in the visiting dugout from across the field, but didn’t initially know if New York had acquired the 28-year-old.
“I saw him hugging people,” Boone said. “I knew we were definitely in the picture, so I figured maybe that was the case, but I wasn’t sure.”
The Yankees sent outfielder Everson Pereira and either a player to be named later or cash considerations to Tampa Bay for Caballero, who is tied for the Major League lead with 34 steals.
Caballero has played second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions this year for Tampa Bay, batting .226 with 12 doubles, a triple, two homers and 27 RBIs in 86 games.
“I think he brings a lot to the table,” Boone said. “I think he’s going to be a very useful player for us. He’s a scrappy, tough player. I’m really excited to have him in the mix.”
Caballero admitted to conflicting feelings after the trade, describing it as being “happy and sad at the same time.”
“I really enjoyed my time with the Tampa Bay Rays,” Caballero said. “I really enjoyed taking advantage of everything that they offer you as a player. So all of that runs through your mind. At the same time, I’m getting a great opportunity with the New York Yankees. I’ve always been a fan of the Yankees.”
That prompted a necessary follow-up: Who was his favorite player?
“Derek Jeter,” Caballero said, with a grin.
As Caballero met some unfamiliar behind-the-scenes faces and scanned his new surroundings, he was asked to comment on the oddity of a day in which he’d played second base for Tampa Bay, then finished the afternoon in a winning Yankees clubhouse.
“We won the game, I guess,” Caballero said, with a laugh. “That’s what I feel right now.”