Caballero switched teams midway through the game: starting in the visiting team's dugout, he ended up in the home team's locker room.

José Caballero was warming up in the Yankees' batting cage when a shoulder tap changed everything. The infielder quickly packed his bags amid hugs and goodbyes, and in the chaos following the Yankees' 7-4 home victory, he walked into the Yankees' clubhouse wearing a Rays uniform, marking one of the wildest trade deadlines in recent years.

“Everything happened so fast,” Caballero said. “I had to switch teams and get ready to compete immediately. I will give my all to bring a championship back to this city—I believe the fans have been waiting for this moment for a long time.”

【Trade Details】
Yankees received: Infielder José Caballero
Rays received: Outfielder Everson Pereira, future designated player or cash

This trade, completed after a rain delay of 2 hours and 45 minutes, was first communicated to Caballero by Rays manager Kevin Cash. Teammates Taylor Walls and Brandon Lowe were surprised by his transfer.

“I’ve emphasized for years,” Cash said, “that Caballero can help the team win in various ways, whether through defense, base running, or a key hit.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone had heard Caballero's name during negotiations, but only confirmed the trade when he saw the commotion in the visiting dugout. “I saw him hugging people,” Boone recalled, “and at that moment suspected he might be joining the Yankees, but I wasn’t sure.”

The Yankees acquired Caballero, who is tied for the league lead in stolen bases (34), by trading outfielder Pereira along with cash/future designated player considerations. This season, he has played second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield for the Rays, appearing in 86 games with a batting average of .226, including 12 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs, and 27 RBIs.

“He will bring multiple contributions,” Boone emphasized. “This tough, versatile player is exactly what we need, and I’m excited to have him.”

Caballero admitted to mixed feelings: “I’m both happy and sad. I cherish my time with the Rays and appreciate the opportunities they provided for my development. But at the same time, joining the Yankees is a chance to fulfill a dream—I’ve always been a Yankees fan.”

When asked about his favorite player, he smiled and replied, “Derek Jeter.”

Navigating through unfamiliar faces, the player who was guarding second base for the Rays just hours earlier found himself in the Yankees' victorious locker room in the evening. When asked about the surreal day, he laughed, “We won the game... I guess that counts as my win, right?”