Jose Caballero’s journey to Major League Baseball is just that. Caballero is not only making a name for himself on the field with the Tampa Bay Rays but also building a solid financial foundation through his MLB contracts.
This article covers everything you want to know about Jose Caballero—his personal background, early and professional career, contract and salary details, net worth, endorsements, and MLB stats.
Jose Caballero’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | José Manuel Ortega Caballero |
| Date of Birth | August 30, 1996 |
| Age | 28 |
| Education | Chipola College, Florida |
| Nationality | Panamanian |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2017 (Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million |
| Salary | $800,000 |
| Career Earnings | $2,660,244 |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Jose Caballero grew up in Las Tablas, Panama, a city known for its vibrant baseball culture. From a young age, Caballero was passionate about sports, playing soccer, volleyball, basketball, and, of course, baseball.
By age seven, he was already competing with older kids, showing the drive and determination that would define his career. His dream of becoming a professional baseball player was clear early on, and he pursued it relentlessly despite facing several obstacles along the way.
Caballero’s first major step came when he moved to the United States to attend Chipola College in Florida. The transition was not easy, as he had to adjust to a new country, language, and culture. However, his talent on the field quickly made him stand out.
In 2017, he led Chipola College to a JUCO World Series championship and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. This achievement put him on the radar of MLB scouts.
That same year, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Caballero in the seventh round of the MLB Draft with the 202nd overall pick. He began his professional career with the Missoula Osprey in rookie ball, where he quickly impressed with his speed and hitting ability.
In 2018, Caballero moved up to play for both the Hillsboro Hops (Low-A) and Kane County Cougars (High-A), posting a strong .292 batting average with 9 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases over 70 games.
Professional Career
Jose Caballero’s big break came in April 2023 when the Seattle Mariners added him to their 40-man roster and called him up to the majors. He made his MLB debut on April 15, 2023, as a defensive substitute against the Colorado Rockies.
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Just a few days later, he recorded his first big league hit—a double off Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Eric Lauer. Caballero quickly earned more playing time, especially at second base, as he proved to be a valuable asset both offensively and defensively.
During his rookie season, Caballero made headlines for his speed and base-stealing ability. On May 21, 2023, he hit his first major league home run and became only the second Mariner in history to record a home run and three stolen bases in the same game. His versatility allowed him to play multiple infield positions, and his hustle on the basepaths made him a constant threat.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded for Caballero, sending Luke Raley to the Mariners in exchange. The Rays valued Caballero’s defensive skills and speed, making him their starting shortstop for the 2024 season. He didn’t disappoint, leading the American League in stolen bases that year and continuing to be a reliable presence in the lineup.
Jose Caballero’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jose Caballero’s estimated net worth is around $2 million.
Contract
Jose Caballero is playing under a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays worth $800,000. This contract is fully guaranteed, and he is in the pre-arbitration phase of his career.
The Rays control his rights for several more seasons, and he will be eligible for arbitration in 2026. His current contract reflects his status as a valuable utility player who contributes both defensively and on the basepaths.
Salary
For the 2025 MLB season, Caballero is earning a base salary of $800,000. This is a significant increase from his previous salaries, reflecting his growing role with the Rays and his league-leading stolen base totals.
As he enters arbitration in the coming years, his salary is expected to rise further, especially if he continues to be among the league leaders in stolen bases and defensive metrics.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team(s) | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Incentives | Total Earnings | Cumulative Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Arizona Diamondbacks | $0 | $175,000 | $0 | $175,000 | $175,000 |
| 2023 | Seattle Mariners | $654,194 | $279,350 | $0 | $933,544 | $1,108,544 |
| 2024 | Tampa Bay Rays | $751,700 | $0 | $0 | $751,700 | $1,860,244 |
| 2025 | Tampa Bay Rays | $800,000 | $0 | $0 | $800,000 | $2,660,244 |
Career Stats
| Year | Team | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Seattle Mariners | 231 | 37 | 51 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 26 | .221 | .343 | .320 | .663 |
| 2024 | Tampa Bay Rays | 441 | 53 | 100 | 24 | 1 | 9 | 44 | 44 | .227 | .283 | .347 | .630 |
| 2025 | Tampa Bay Rays | 152 | 24 | 36 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 20 | 25 | .237 | .328 | .690 | .690 |
| Career | Mariners/Rays | 824 | 114 | 187 | 37 | 3 | 15 | 90 | 95 | .227 | .309 | .345 | .651 |
FAQs
1. What is Jose Caballero’s net worth and salary?
Caballero’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $829,000, and his salary for the current season is $720,000, reflecting his status as a valuable utility player for the Tampa Bay Rays.
2. How did Caballero overcome injuries to reach the MLB?
Caballero faced multiple surgeries on both hands and legs during his youth, including three on his left leg after a collision. Despite setbacks, he persisted through college and minor leagues, eventually earning a spot in the majors.
3. What positions has Jose Caballero played?
Caballero has played second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions for the Rays, showcasing his versatility and athleticism as a utility player.
4. How successful was Caballero as a base stealer?
Caballero led the American League in stolen bases with 44 steals and ranked third with 19 stolen bases by the end of May, making him one of the league’s top threats on the basepaths.
5. When did Jose Caballero make his MLB debut and for which team?
Caballero made his MLB debut on April 15, 2023, for the Seattle Mariners before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he continued to develop as a key contributor.
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