Caballero vs Volpe
- Paul Semendinger
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
by Paul Semendinger
May 2, 2026
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As Anthony Volpe gets set to return to the Yankees, let's look at some statistics and compare him to the player "filling-in" for him - Jose Caballero.
Both players arrived in the big leagues in 2023.
Jose Caballero has led the American League in Stolen Bases each of the last two seasons and is leading the A.L. in steals again in 2026. The fewest steals he has ever had in a season is 26.
The most stolen bases Anthony Volpe has ever had in a season is 28.
Anthony Volpe's lifetime OPS+ is 83. Jose Caballero's is not much better. It is 88. But, since becoming a Yankee, Caballero's OPS+ the last two seasons have been 129 in 2025 and 98 (thus far) in 2026.
Jose Caballero is currently batting .267 in the Major Leagues. In the four games (a small sample size), Anthony Volpe batted .267 in Triple-A.
Jose Caballero's lifetime batting average is .232. Anthony Volpe's is .222.
Jose Caballero's lifetime On Base Percentage is .316. Anthony Volpe's is .283.
Anthony Volpe's lifetime Slugging Percentage better's Jose Caballero's: .379 to .346.
Both players have identical OPS numbers at .662
Anthony Volpe has earned 8.4 WAR over 472 games. Jose Caballero has earned 8.2 WAR over 399 games.
In 2026, Jose Caballero was second in the American League in Defensive WAR. In 2026, Anthony Volpe led the American League in errors.
Anthony Volpe has earned 5.3 Defensive WAR over 472 games. Jose Caballero has earned 4.3 Defensive WAR over 399 games.
Both players average 1.8 Defensive WAR over 162 games.
Over the last two weeks, Jose Caballero is batting .341 with 3 home runs.
Over time, Anthony Volpe might prove to be the better player, but right now, it seems very clear to note that in every area (except slugging) Jose Caballero has proven to be his equal or better.
The Yankees are in first place with a 21-11 record. Their shortstop has been Jose Caballero.
Until or unless Jose Caballero demonstrates that he is not the better player than Anthony Volpe, he should be the Yankees starting shortstop.
There is no indication, based on Major League performance, across their careers, that Anthony Volpe is a better player than Jose Caballero.
As far as I am concerned, Anthony Volpe should not be simply given the position when he is called up. In sports, a player has to earn their position. Anthony Volpe has not earned the starting shortstop job for the 2026 Yankees. Jose Caballero has.
