Rays middle infielder could make surprising position swap to aid in needed depth

As Rays fans we know that expecting the unexpected is just par for the course, whether it's the good old shift (that MLB ended up shutting down for the most part) or the revolutionary "opener" that involves a reliever starting the game for the first couple innings. Regardless of the tactic, the Rays always find a way to spice it up and keep their opponents on their toes. There will be a new strategy that will likely be tested out come spring training. If it proves to be successful, the Rays could ultimately save on searching for an extra outfielder.

Rays thinking about trying Jose Caballero out as a corner outfielder

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays will likely test their shortstop Jose Caballero out in the outfield as a depth option. Due to the surplus of talented infielders on the roster, finding a spot for all of them will be the greatest challenge. Obviously, the best will play, but after seeing Caballero lead the AL in stolen bases last year, can you blame them for wanting to find more ways to get him on the field.

Moreover, the 28-year old is a fantastic athlete that could probably make the switch to the outfield look rather effortless. The Rays haven't given Caballero any outfield reps yet, but in 2023, the Mariners sent him out to left field for two innings, so the position isn't completely foreign to him.

Also, the Rays have stressed that a healthy Taylor Walls will presumably be the starting shortstop on Opening Day due to his outstanding defensive abilities. Walls will be heading to an arbitration hearing soon to decide his 2025 salary, so hopefully the relationship between him and the front office remains intact.

The outfield depth chart lines up quite differently than the Rays infield. With Josh Lowe, Jonny DeLuca, Christopher Morel, Jake Mangum, and Richie Palacios as the only outfielders currently on the roster, there seems to be something lacking. The offense could be hard to come by from this group and the defense is also questionable, as Morel was primarily an infielder in Chicago. Therefore, if the Rays aren't going to acquire an outfielder this offseason, then placing Caballero in one of the corner spots from time to time won't be a bad plan.