Yankees finalize Jose Caballero trade with Rays as recent draft pick heads to Tampa

Jose Caballero has, in some ways, been a savior for the 2025 New York Yankees. That feels insane to say given the caliber of player he is, but the Anthony Volpe situation created a dire need nobody expected to this degree.

That said, Caballero is an extremely talented player and was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline for almost nothing. New York sent former top prospect Everson Pereira to their division rivals and tossed in a player to be named later as a sweetener.

Well, the day has arrived, and the PTBNL has been revealed. On Wednesday, the Yankees finalized the Caballero trade with Tampa by sending outfield prospect Marshall Toole to the Rays. Toole is not currently ranked in the Yankees' top 30, but he's had a promising start to his professional career.

Yankees finalize Jose Caballero trade with Rays as recent draft pick heads to Tampa

Toole was a 15th-round draft pick back in 2024 out of Wofford. He logged just 113 games with the organization before departing, but it's clear why the Rays had interest in him.

At Single-A Tampa, Toole hit .298 with an .874 OPS over the last two seasons. He's scored an impressive 72 runs and stolen 52 bases. He's struck out just 91 times compared to 67 walks. He only has six homers, but his 13 triples (all in 96 games this year!) showcase his speed and ability to send balls into the gaps. Not to mention, he's logged reps at all three outfield positions.

The Georgia native will now be closer to home and, if we're being honest, already profiles more as a Ray than he ever would have as a Yankee. Batting average? Six homers? In New York? In this economy?

This was an obvious area the Yankees had a surplus to trade from. They have Spencer Jones rising through the ranks, who would make an impact in the big-league outfield come next year. Then there's Brendan Jones (No. 15), Dillon Lewis (No. 16), Wilson Rodriguez (No. 22), Jace Avina (No. 24), Brando Mayea (No. 27), and Francisco Vilorio (No. 28) all in the top ranks.

Obviously, the perceived pedigree only matters so much and Toole could end up being an impact name with a player profile of yesteryear (Caleb Durbin!), but Brian Cashman is usually smart about who he parts with, so there's probably little need to hold your breath here.