Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Hispanic Heritage Month

Yankees MLB Player Oswaldo Cabrera talks music, Venezuela, and life in New York


The Latino MLB player shares his go-to music, Venezuelan pride, his JBL campaign, and how life with the Yankees has shaped him on and off the field


Oswaldo Cabrera #95 of the New York Yankees poses for a photo during the workout day before the 2024 World Series  at Dodger Stadium© Mary DeCicco
SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 1:09 PM EDT

Oswaldo Cabrera has quickly earned a reputation for his versatility as a NY Yankees MLB player and for the energy he brings both on and off the field. For him, music is more than just background noise; it is part of his daily rhythm. Whether he is setting the tone in the clubhouse, locking in before a game, or winding down afterwards, sound is central to his routine. 

Oswaldo Cabrera #95 of the New York Yankees poses for a photo during the workout day before the 2024 World Series  at Dodger Stadium © Mary DeCicco
Oswaldo Cabrera #95 of the New York Yankees poses for a photo during the workout day before the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium

¡HOLA! caught up with Cabrera while he was promoting his partnership with JBL to talk about the beats that fuel his game, the tracks that get him hyped, and how life in New York has shaped him on and off the field. “Music keeps me locked in,” he says, adding that teaming up with the brand feels natural because their sound delivers the best quality audio.

He continued, “Music gets me hyped before a game and helps me relax after, so it’s a big part of my routine on and off the field.”  That balance shows up in his playlist, which is as eclectic as his personality.

Yankees MLB Player Oswaldo Cabrera talks music, Venezuela, and life in New York© JBL

His go-to tracks include:

  • Luis BPM’s “Quién Es El Loco”
  • Phil Collins’ classic “In the Air Tonight”
  • Drake and 21 Savage
  • Traditional Joropo music
  • El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico’s “Regresa Ya”
  • Bad Bunny

“I also love songs about heartbreak because they carry the deepest messages,” he adds.

In addition, Cabrera told ¡HOLA! exclusively that his pre-game routine is all about finding the right balance of rest, fuel, and focus. “Before every game I try to take a quick nap, maybe 10 or 15 minutes, and then eat the best I can, making sure I get my protein and my carbs,” Cabrera shared. 

“When I’m getting ready, I put on my JBL headphones and listen to salsa or the music that gets me going, some Eladio Carrión, some Luis BPM, and that fires me up. Then I’m ready to work out and go kill it on the field.”

Oswald's Pre-game Prep:

Representing Venezuela & NY Yankee Life

With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing, Cabrera also reflected on what it means to carry Venezuela with him every time he steps onto the field. 

The athlete also shared how proud he is of his heritage and how it’s tied to his identity. He said, “I know where I’m coming from, and I also come from nothing. That reminds me of what it took to get here.”  

“Representing my country means inspiring others. I see myself as someone who never gives up, always improves, and strives to be the best version of myself. Being a good person is not hard; it simply means being human.”

Oswaldo Cabrera
Oswaldo Cabrera #95 of the New York Yankees smiles before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on September 10, 2025 in New York© New York Yankees
Oswaldo Cabrera #95 of the New York Yankees smiles before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on September 10, 2025 in New York

That sense of resilience ties directly into his place in Venezuelan baseball’s legacy. “It is an honor. I remind myself daily of the responsibility I carry. I want to represent Venezuela with pride and show that perseverance and humility can take you far.”

Watch Oswaldo talk about Venezuela - where he is from
View post on Instagram
 

Life as a Yankee has also left a deep impression. “There is nothing like being a Yankee. The responsibility and accountability that come with it are huge, and the fans are unlike any other. They care so much and root with such passion. Playing here has shaped me into the player and person I am today.”

Married Life Off the Field

Away from baseball, Cabrera is enjoying newlywed life, embracing a new chapter as a husband. He married Ari Gonzalez in July of this year, and he told ¡HOLA! that the experience has been nothing short of special. 

“The most beautiful part of these short months being married together has been supporting each other every single day, always trying to get the best out of each other in every aspect of life, whether it’s personal, professional, or family-related. We are always trying to make each other better,” he said.

Oswaldo Cabrera with his wife Ari Gonzalez© Mary DeCicco
Oswaldo Cabrera with his wife Ari Gonzalez

“She wants to be a Pilates instructor, which helps me stay disciplined and healthy, and her cooking is amazing! We are always pushing each other to be better.”

From Venezuela to the Bronx, Cabrera is living proof that music, culture, and heart go hand in hand, and he carries all of it with him every time he steps onto the field.

© ¡HOLA! Reproduction of this article and its photographs in whole or in part is prohibited, even when citing their source.