The main challenge for Panamanian José 'Chema' Caballero in the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, which kicks off this Wednesday, March 25, will be his offensive performance. Caballero has been presented with a golden opportunity, as he was officially named the starting shortstop for the New York Yankees at the start of the season. The versatile Panamanian player must seize this chance to improve his offense, an area where he has not had strong numbers since his promotion to the Majors. Caballero, 29, has qualities like his speed on the bases but needs to get on base more often to take advantage of this virtue. Over his MLB career, Caballero has a .228 batting average. His best offensive average in his three years in the Majors was last year, when he hit .236 with the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees. Defensively, there is nothing to demand from the Panamanian, as he has very good hands both in the outfield and in the infield. 'I'm delighted, grateful to God for this beautiful opportunity. I'm very happy and ready to show what I'm capable of,' Caballero said in an interview with ESPN. 'The goal of everyone is to win, and when you don't win, there are always questions. It has nothing to do with other teams reinforcing themselves. We are going to seek the title,' he added.
