REMEMBER WHEN I SAID PEREIRA WAS GETTING TRADED?

The Yankees made another move on Thursday, and this one actually makes some sense—so naturally, we’re suspicious.

In a classic “here, take one of our extra outfielders we weren’t using anyway” swap, the Yankees shipped Everson Pereira and a mystery man (to be named later, probably when the Rays least expect it) to Tampa Bay in exchange for infielder José Caballero. Yep, another infielder. But hold on—this one can run, defend, and do cool things like flip the ball between his legs to start double plays. That’s not just flash; that’s functional flair.

Let’s be honest: Caballero might not be a superstar, but he brings something this team desperately needs—speed, range, and the ability to field a ground ball without needing a prayer and a lucky bounce. He plays multiple positions and isn’t allergic to contact or competent defense. In other words: he’s everything Anthony Volpe was supposed to be before Boone made him the face of the franchise and treated him like a Fabergé egg.

No one's saying Caballero is the greatest. But if he ends up quietly stealing a few starts at shortstop—especially when Volpe's throwing error count creeps into the teens—we wouldn’t complain. In fact, we’d stand and applaud like proud New Yorkers who just watched someone not boot a routine grounder.

As for Pereira, yeah, the kid was mashing in Triple-A—.265 average, 10 homers in 40 games—but let’s not act shocked here. Like Peraza before him, he was clearly being groomed for a role in another team's lineup. He was a good soldier, but his fate was sealed the moment the Yankees decided they'd rather watch outfielders trip over each other than give him a real shot. Remember back in February, I knew Pereira's days were numbered: "The Yankees can’t keep Pereira in the minors indefinitely. Eventually, he’ll either secure a spot on the roster or be moved elsewhere. Given past precedent, a trade feels like a strong possibility."

So, was this a painful trade? Eh, only emotionally. On paper, it's smart. The Yankees need situational weapons, and Caballero fits. The fact that he might also quietly push Volpe out of the everyday lineup? That’s just bonus content.

Welcome to the Bronx, José. Stretch out those legs—you might be running a lot.