Oswaldo Cabrera has been a utility man for the New York Yankees since his call-up last year, and he’s aiming to play literally every position on the team.
The New York Yankees have begun making their Opening Day roster decisions on Sunday. They made perhaps their biggest decision yet by calling up top prospect Anthony Volpe to be their starting shortstop.
Another player who made the roster is utility player Oswaldo Cabrera, who made his major league debut last season and played a variety of positions in his short time with the team.
On Saturday, the day before it was revealed he made the team, Cabrera revealed that he wants to play literally every position on the team. He told The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner that he wants to play some catcher next offseason so he could be an emergency option for the Yankees, and also revealed his pitching style if he were ever called upon to pitch.
Oswaldo Cabrera told me that next offseason he wants to work a little bit at catcher so the Yankees can have another option in case of emergency.
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) March 25, 2023
Also, if he ever pitches, he said he’s a submariner lol
Oswaldo Cabrera wants to play nearly every position for the Yankees
Cabrera seemingly lives by the mantra “the best ability is availability.”
After receiving his call-up from the Yankees on Aug. 17, 2022, Cabrera primarily played in right field, 27 games to be exact. But, he also split time at left field, first base, second base, third base, and shortstop. Playing six positions, Cabrera recorded just one error, which was at second base. Not bad.
This spring, Cabrera played every infield and outfield position. He recorded just two errors in the spring, both at third base (eight games played).
In terms of hitting during spring training, Cabrera recorded a .333 batting average, a .382 on-base percentage, a .608 slugging percentage, four home runs, six runs scored, 13 RBI, and 17 hits.
Cabrera will be on the Opening Day roster for the Yankees’ game against the San Francisco Giants. It will remain to be seen what position he plays for the first series of the 2023 season. But, when it comes to next season, he is aiming to expand his repertoire.