New York Yankees utility player José Caballero has officially confirmed his intention to represent Panama in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.
When asked about his decision, Caballero said, “I’m always up for playing with my country.”
Caballero, who served as Panama’s starting third baseman during the 2023 tournament, he could very take on that role in 2026.
In the 2025 MLB season, split between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees, Caballero has posted a .230/.334/.331 slash line with four home runs across 107 games. While his offensive numbers may not jump off the page, his value lies in his versatility and defensive prowess. Over the course of his MLB career, Caballero has played every defensive position except catcher, with right field emerging as his strongest position in 2025. This season, he has recorded two Outs Above Average (OAA) and six Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in right field, underlining his ability to make an impact wherever he’s placed on the field.
Caballero’s dynamic skill set extends beyond the glove. He’s among the elite base stealers in Major League Baseball. After stealing 44 bases in 2024, he has swiped 41 bags so far this season and is closing in on his first-ever 50-steal campaign. His speed, combined with a career-high walk rate of 12.6%, makes him a constant threat on the basepaths and a nightmare for opposing pitchers. For a Panamanian team that will likely rely more on speed, contact, and plate discipline than pure power, Caballero’s style of play fits perfectly.
Panama’s roster is steadily taking shape, with MLB players Iván Herrera and Edmundo Sosa already committed. Minor league prospects José Ramos and Leo Jiménez are also expected to join the squad. The team made history during the last World Baseball Classic by securing their first-ever tournament win, defeating Taiwan. However, they narrowly missed advancing to the quarterfinals due to a tiebreaker. In 2026, they’ll aim to make another leap and reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history—Caballero is poised to be at the heart of that effort.
Panama will kick off its 2026 WBC campaign on March 6th against Cuba, followed by a matchup with Puerto Rico on March 7—exactly 20 years to the day after Panama’s inaugural WBC appearance, which also came against Puerto Rico. The group stage continues with games against Canada on March 8th and Colombia on March 9th. All of Panama’s pool play games will be held at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
With his defensive versatility, baserunning brilliance, and disciplined approach at the plate, José Caballero is poised to be a cornerstone for Panama as they look to make history at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Photo: José Caballero, right, celebrates his home run off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Mason Montgomery with Aaron Judge during the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
