When the New York Yankees swung a surprise trade for José Caballero on July 31, it barely caused a ripple during the deadline frenzy. The deal, which sent outfielder Everson Pereira and a player to be named later to the Tampa Bay Rays, seemed like a footnote in a day filled with blockbuster headlines.

Yet almost overnight, Caballero became one of the Yankees’ most indispensable spark plugs. Since joining the roster in August, he has slashed .270/.356/.492 across 33 games, showing an unexpected blend of contact, patience, and pop. His 135 wRC+ has shattered early projections, and his 13 stolen bases have given the Yankees a jolt of chaos on the basepaths that opposing pitchers have struggled to contain.

The impact has gone beyond the stat sheet. Caballero’s defensive versatility has allow

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