Red Sox 26-Year-Old Infielder 'Turning Heads' in Boston Camp

Caleb Durbin acquired from Brewers set to start at third base for Boston

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:05pm

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The Boston Red Sox's infield is shaping up to be a major strength for the team in 2026, with the addition of 26-year-old infielder Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers. Durbin, who finished third in the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year voting, has impressed in Spring Training, batting .400 with seven RBIs, five walks, four doubles, and a triple in 12 games. Red Sox manager Alex Cora has decided to start Durbin at third base, with Marcelo Mayer playing second.

Why it matters

The Red Sox's infield was a point of focus this offseason, with the team acquiring Durbin and returning veteran stars Willson Contreras and Trevor Story. Durbin's strong Spring Training performance has him poised for a potential breakout season, which could solidify the Red Sox's infield as one of the best in baseball.

The details

Durbin, who the Red Sox acquired in a six-player trade with the Brewers, slashed .256/.334/.387 with 11 home runs, 53 RBIs, 18 stolen bases, 25 doubles, and 60 runs scored in 136 games in 2025. He has carried that momentum into Spring Training, impressing Red Sox management with his all-around game. Cora has decided to start Durbin at third base, with Mayer playing second, to take advantage of Durbin's defensive versatility.

  • The Red Sox acquired Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason.
  • Durbin finished third in the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year voting.
  • Durbin has impressed in 12 Spring Training games, batting .400 with seven RBIs, five walks, four doubles, and a triple.

The players

Caleb Durbin

A 26-year-old infielder acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason. Durbin finished third in the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year voting and has impressed in Spring Training, earning the starting third base job for the Red Sox.

Willson Contreras

A three-time All-Star catcher who signed with the Red Sox in the offseason. Contreras hit 20 home runs and drove in 80 runs for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2025.

Trevor Story

The Red Sox's starting shortstop, who had a phenomenal 2025 season, hitting .263 with 25 home runs, 96 RBIs, 31 stolen bases, 29 doubles, and 91 runs scored.

Marcelo Mayer

The Red Sox's starting second baseman, who has big-time potential.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who has decided to start Caleb Durbin at third base and Marcelo Mayer at second base.

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What they’re saying

“Durbin has integrated seamlessly and shown very strong bat-to-ball skills, good baserunning and strong defense at both third and second.”

— Craig Breslow, President of baseball operations, Boston Red Sox (The Athletic)

“Durbin has all the intangibles you look for in winning players, including a high baseball IQ. Offensively, he can get on base and has both power and speed. His offense should also benefit from playing half his games with the Green Monster at Fenway.”

— Jim Bowden, Analyst (The Athletic)

The takeaway

The Red Sox's infield is shaping up to be a major strength for the team in 2026, with the addition of Caleb Durbin and the return of veteran stars Willson Contreras and Trevor Story. Durbin's strong Spring Training performance has him poised for a potential breakout season, which could solidify the Red Sox's infield as one of the best in baseball.