Former Seattle Mariners INF Surprisingly Set to Have Huge Role for AL Contender

Former Seattle Mariners depth infielder Jose Caballero is reportedly set to have a surprisingly huge role for the Tampa Bay Rays at the outset of the 2024 season: Starting shortstop.

Per Adam Berry of MLB.com:

The Rays don’t know what will happen with Wander Franco, who remains under investigation by MLB and authorities in the Dominican Republic. Neander also revealed it’s “unlikely” Taylor Walls will be ready for Opening Day after undergoing right hip surgery this offseason; Tampa Bay won’t want to overwork him upon his return, either.

We said last week the Rays could create some clarity at shortstop, and they did that by acquiring Caballero, a lesser-known player but one whom the Rays talked about acquiring at last year’s Trade Deadline and liked even before then.

With Franco's future up in the air, it makes sense that the team have a contingency plan, and that's where Caballero apparently comes into play. It's also possible that he's serving as a stopgap until top prospect Junior Caminero is ready (he made his MLB debut at the end of 2023).

Caballero was acquired by the Rays earlier this offseason in a deal for outfielder/first baseman Luke Raley.

The 27-year-old made his major league debut for Seattle in 2023, hitting .221 with four homers and 26 RBI. He has the versatility to play all over the infield and has outstanding speed, as evidenced by his 26 stolen bases.

He's pesky at the plate and pesky on the bases and could do well in Tampa until they get even further clarity on Franco's situation and Caminero's readiness for everyday work.