The Seattle Mariners have recently announced that they will be starting Jose Caballero at second base over Kolten Wong. This is a surprising move, as Wong has been the Mariners’ starting second baseman since 2019. However, the Mariners believe that Caballero’s offensive production and defensive ability make him a better fit for the position.
Jose Caballero is a 24-year-old infielder who was acquired by the Mariners in a trade with the San Diego Padres in 2021. He has been playing in the minor leagues since 2018, and he has shown promise with the bat. In 2020, he hit .303 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs in just 57 games. He also has good speed, stealing 14 bases in 2020.
Kolten Wong, on the other hand, is a veteran infielder who has been with the Mariners since 2019. He is a two-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner. He has been a reliable fielder and an above-average hitter throughout his career. In 2020, he hit .265 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 60 games.
The Mariners believe that Caballero’s offensive production and defensive ability make him a better fit for the position than Wong. Caballero is younger and more athletic, and he has the potential to be an impact player at the plate. He also has the speed to be a threat on the basepaths.
The decision to start Caballero over Wong is an interesting one, but it could pay off for the Mariners in the long run. Caballero has the potential to be a dynamic player at the plate and in the field, and he could be an important part of the team’s success in 2021 and beyond. Only time will tell if this move pays off for the Mariners, but it is certainly an intriguing decision.
