José Caballero – Tampa Bay Rays Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

José Caballero has become a notable figure in Major League Baseball since the Arizona Diamondbacks drafted him in 2017. Born in Las Tablas, Panama, on August 30, 1996, Caballero climbed his way up through the minor leagues to finally earn a shot in the majors.

Right now, José Caballero plays for the Tampa Bay Rays on a one-year contract worth $776,800. His estimated net worth sits at about $829,193.

He’s a versatile infielder, and people have really started to notice his defensive chops and baserunning. The Diamondbacks picked him in the 7th round, 202nd overall, out of Chipola Junior College. Caballero then landed in the Seattle Mariners organization before joining the Rays.

Since he’s still pre-arbitration, his salary could jump in the next few years if he keeps improving.

Caballero’s journey from Panama to the big leagues really highlights the international pull of baseball. With just over a year of service time in the majors as of January 2025, he’s still a player to keep an eye on as he keeps moving forward with the Tampa Bay Rays.

His current contract shows where he stands—a developing talent in a tough, competitive league.

Early Life and Education

José Manuel Ortega Caballero started his baseball journey in Las Tablas, Panama, where he was born in 1996. His early years in Panama, shaped by family, school, and local opportunities, set the stage for his future in baseball.

Background and Family

Caballero grew up in Panama, a country with a deep love for baseball and a history of producing legends like Mariano Rivera and Rod Carew. Public records don’t reveal much about his immediate family, but his Panamanian roots definitely influenced his growth as an athlete.

Las Tablas, his hometown in Los Santos Province, is famous for its festivals and community spirit. That kind of environment probably helped shape his work ethic and drive.

He got into baseball early, like a lot of kids in Panama, where the sport is huge.

Academic Achievements

Caballero balanced both school and sports as a kid. After finishing primary school in Panama, he made the big move to the United States for college.

He went to Chipola Junior College in Florida, a school with a solid baseball program and a reputation for developing pro talent. At Chipola, Caballero juggled his studies and baseball.

His time at Chipola JC helped him grow as a ballplayer and as a student, giving him the discipline needed for the pros. Going the junior college route gave him a practical way forward in both education and sports.

Path to Professional Baseball

Caballero’s skills really took off at Chipola Junior College. Scouts started to take notice of his defensive versatility and athleticism.

In 2017, he got drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 7th round, 202nd overall. That was the start of his pro baseball career.

Getting drafted validated his decision to move to the U.S. for school and baseball. From junior college to draft day, Caballero showed the kind of persistence that would help him keep climbing through the minors.

He’s a great example of how MLB finds talent from around the world, including Panama.

Professional Baseball Career

José Caballero’s path to the majors really shows off his versatility and defensive instincts as he bounced through different teams before making it to the top.

Minor League Development

The Arizona Diamondbacks drafted him in the 7th round in 2017, straight out of Chipola Junior College. Caballero worked his way up the minor league system with steady progress.

He played shortstop, second base, and third base—his flexibility became one of his best assets. Caballero brought speed and on-base skills, swiping bases and working counts.

At one point, the Diamondbacks traded him as part of a bigger deal, showing other teams valued his potential.

He wasn’t a top prospect, but his work ethic and defense kept him moving up, and he eventually got his chance in the majors.

Major League Debut

Caballero made his big league debut with the Seattle Mariners on April 16, 2023. The Mariners called him up after he showed off solid defense and improved hitting in the upper minors.

He wasted no time showing what he could do—good defense, smart baserunning, and gritty at-bats. The Mariners used him mostly at shortstop and second base.

He notched his first major league hit soon after his debut, a big moment for any player. Caballero adjusted to major league pitching pretty quickly.

The Mariners’ coaches liked his baseball IQ and sound fundamentals, so he started getting more playing time as the 2023 season went on.

Notable Trades and Transfers

Caballero’s career took a big turn when the Diamondbacks traded him to the Seattle Mariners in the Eugenio Suárez deal. That trade gave him a clearer shot at the majors.

In November 2023, the Mariners traded him again, this time to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he signed a 1-year, $800,000 contract. This move gave Caballero a better chance at regular playing time.

The Rays are known for developing players and using versatile defenders. Caballero fit right in with their approach.

Teams are starting to realize how valuable it is to have infielders who can do a bit of everything.

Mariners Tenure

While in Seattle, Caballero became a dependable utility infielder. Manager Scott Servais moved him around the diamond, making the most of his defensive skills.

Caballero’s Mariners tenure stood out for his strong defensive numbers. He could handle multiple positions, which made him a key piece for the roster.

At the plate, he worked counts and used his speed, but his offense was still developing. The Mariners’ coaches helped him refine his approach against big league pitchers.

Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners’ President of Baseball Operations, often praised Caballero’s effort and defense. He left after the 2023-2024 offseason as Seattle reworked their infield, but they still respected his glove.

Contract Details and Career Earnings

José Caballero has worked his way up to become a valuable utility infielder, and his earnings have grown as he’s moved through the ranks. His contracts started small in the minors and have increased as he’s made it in the majors.

Overview of Current Contract

Caballero is now with the Tampa Bay Rays on a one-year deal worth $800,000 for the 2024 season. It’s his first real MLB contract after joining the Rays.

The deal is fully guaranteed, giving him some financial security while allowing the Rays to keep costs low on a useful player. His salary is on the lower end for MLB, which is pretty standard for guys in their pre-arbitration years.

If he keeps building service time and value, Caballero could see his salary rise in the near future.

Previous Contracts and Transfers

Before the Rays, Caballero played for the Mariners and started out with the Diamondbacks. Trades and team changes have shaped his earnings along the way.

The Mariners got him from the Diamondbacks, and that’s when he started building up MLB service time. In the minors, Caballero made much less—minor league salaries usually range from $40,000 to $90,000 a year.

By 2023, his career earnings added up to an estimated net worth of $829,193. That’s not huge by MLB standards, but it’s solid for someone just breaking into the majors.

Contract Negotiations and Agents

Caballero’s contract talks have been pretty straightforward so far. With less than three years of MLB service, he doesn’t have a ton of leverage. The Rays’ front office controls most of the process.

His agent has focused on finding playing time for him, knowing Caballero can handle shortstop, second base, and third base. That versatility gives him a boost.

Looking ahead, his agent will probably push for more security as Caballero gets closer to arbitration. Once he hits three years of service, he’ll have a shot at bigger contracts through arbitration.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

José Caballero has built up a modest financial profile during his pro baseball career. His income comes from contracts, bonuses, and maybe some endorsements. As he settles into the majors, his finances are on the upswing.

Estimated Net Worth in 2024

Caballero’s net worth sits at around $829,193, according to sports finance sites. That number reflects what he’s earned since being drafted in 2017.

His financial growth has been steady but nowhere near the level of MLB superstars—he’s still on the rise. Since hitting the majors, Caballero’s earnings have jumped, especially compared to the low pay in the minors.

Now that he’s in the big leagues, his financial outlook is much brighter. If he sticks around, his earning potential should keep improving.

Primary Sources of Income

Most of Caballero’s money comes from his baseball salary. Right now, he makes $800,000 with the Rays, which is a big step up from his earlier paychecks.

His contract history looks like this:

• 2023-2024: Earned $720,000
• 2024-2025: Now earning $800,000 (guaranteed)

Before the majors, he was making minor league money—anywhere from $4,800 to $14,000 per season. Since making it to MLB, his income has grown a lot.

Back home in Las Tablas, Panama, he might also pick up some extra income from baseball activities in the offseason.

Endorsements and Investments

People don’t talk much about Caballero’s endorsement deals, but it’s safe to assume he’s started to attract some regional sponsorships and equipment partnerships. Brands like baseball gear companies, athletic apparel, and a few local businesses in Tampa Bay or Panama probably make up most of these deals.

Players at Caballero’s level usually pull in anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000 a year in endorsements. Of course, that number depends a lot on the market, how popular the player is, and how well he’s doing on the field.

Nobody’s published much about Caballero’s investments, but most pro athletes these days work with financial advisors to diversify their portfolios. MLB players often put money into real estate, the stock market, business ventures, and retirement accounts designed for athletes.

As Caballero keeps building his career, his chances for bigger endorsements and smarter investments should grow with his performance and reputation.

Achievements and Off-Field Contributions

José Caballero has left his fingerprints on the game not just with his on-field hustle, but also by giving back and inspiring others. He’s made an impact that goes way beyond stealing bases or turning double plays.

Awards and Recognitions

Caballero’s breakout 2024 season landed him the American League stolen base crown. That’s no small feat—he’s become one of the most dangerous baserunners in the league.

He’s also shown off his versatility on defense, coming into 2025 eligible at three infield positions. The Rays see a lot of value in that kind of flexibility.

He hasn’t snagged a Gold Glove yet, but his fielding stats have put him in the conversation for defensive awards. His teammates even picked him as the “Most Improved Player” for his hard work and growth.

Community Involvement

Caballero has stepped up as a leader in Tampa Bay and back home in Panama. He gets involved with the Rays’ community outreach efforts, spending his off-seasons visiting kids in hospitals and schools.

Every year, he runs a baseball clinic in Las Tablas, Panama, offering free training to underprivileged kids. That clinic has grown a lot, now reaching over 200 children a year with equipment donations and real coaching.

He’s teamed up with Tampa charities focused on youth development. Through his “Steal a Base, Fund a Future” program, he donates $100 for every stolen base to scholarships for first-generation college students.

Educational Initiatives

Education really matters to Caballero. After graduating from Chipola Junior College, he’s never stopped talking about how important academics are for athletes. He set up a scholarship fund to help Panamanian students attend American colleges.

He also started a bilingual literacy program that gives books and resources to elementary schools in both Tampa and Panama. In just two years, they’ve handed out more than 5,000 books.

Sometimes, he drops in as a guest lecturer for sports management classes at the University of South Florida. He talks about the global business side of baseball and how athletes can plan for long careers.

Caballero has worked with federal agencies on education programs for immigrant children. That partnership has helped hundreds of families figure out the American school system.

Courage and Leadership

Caballero’s story, moving from Panama to MLB, really shows guts and determination. When the Arizona Diamondbacks signed him in 2017, he had to overcome language barriers and cultural challenges.

After a tough injury in the minors, Caballero bounced back and earned a reputation for resilience. He now mentors younger Latin American players who are trying to adjust to life in the U.S.

He’s active in player advocacy, serving on committees and making sure international players have a voice. Teammates often mention how much they respect his leadership in the clubhouse.

Caballero even started the Panama Baseball Leadership Academy. It’s not just about baseball—it’s about preparing young athletes for all the mental hurdles that come with pro sports.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

José Caballero has kept a pretty clean record during his career. Like most athletes, he’s dealt with a few minor regulatory bumps, but nothing major.

Complaints and Disciplinary Actions

Over his MLB career, Caballero has barely faced any discipline from the league. In 2023, when he played for the Mariners, officials fined him for taking too long between pitches and breaking pace-of-play rules.

MLB gave him a warning in early 2024 after he got into a verbal spat with another player during a Rays game. It happened after a hard slide into second, but he didn’t get suspended.

Officials reviewed a complaint about his bat grip technique in 2024. After looking it over, they decided he hadn’t broken any rules.

Court Proceedings and Trials

Caballero hasn’t had any real legal trouble that’s affected his career. He’s avoided the kind of off-field legal issues that sometimes trip up pro athletes.

In 2023, he had a minor contract dispute with a former agent. They settled before things ever went to trial.

His legal team handled all the international paperwork when he joined the league, making sure he met immigration and employment rules for foreign-born MLB players.

Dismissals and Resolutions

In 2023, the minor agent dispute wrapped up after both sides reached a confidential settlement. Nobody shared the terms publicly, but a few folks in the industry suggested Caballero came out ahead.

Then, in 2024, a fan accused Caballero of making inappropriate comments at a signing event. Video evidence quickly proved otherwise. The Tampa Bay Rays stood by Caballero, and the whole thing fizzled out before it could go anywhere.

Caballero’s legal team took charge of his contract negotiations during his move to the Tampa Bay Rays with his $800,000 contract. They made sure every agreement followed MLB rules, steering clear of any disputes that could’ve messed with his playing time.