Brewers May Dramatically Re-Shuffle Infield After Caleb Durbin Trade

Milwaukee's trade of third baseman Caleb Durbin has created uncertainty around the team's infield plans for 2026.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Milwaukee Brewers have shaken up their infield by trading away starting third baseman Caleb Durbin to the Boston Red Sox. This move has left the Brewers with questions about how they will configure their infield for the upcoming season, with the possibility of moving multiple players to new positions to accommodate their top prospect Jett Williams.

Why it matters

The Brewers' infield shuffle is an unexpected move that could have significant implications for the team's performance in 2026. Shifting players to new positions can be risky, but the Brewers seem confident that this will allow them to maximize their talent and give their top prospect a chance to contribute right away.

The details

In the trade, the Brewers sent not only Durbin to the Red Sox, but also two other infielders. This has left the team with an open third base position and the possibility of moving multiple starters to new spots on the diamond. One potential scenario has the Brewers sliding Joey Ortiz back to third base, moving Brice Turang to shortstop, and giving the second base job to top prospect Jett Williams, who has never played third base in the pros.

  • The Brewers made the trade with the Red Sox on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Caleb Durbin

The Brewers' former starting third baseman who was traded to the Boston Red Sox.

Jett Williams

The Brewers' top prospect who could be given a chance to start at second base in 2026.

Joey Ortiz

A Brewers infielder who could be moved back to third base to accommodate Jett Williams at second.

Brice Turang

The Brewers' starting shortstop in 2025 who could be moved to a new position to make room for Jett Williams.

David Hamilton

An infielder acquired by the Brewers in the trade with the Red Sox who could be relegated to a bench role.

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What they’re saying

“Perhaps the Brewers see Williams as an equal to Durbin's production, even in Year 1. While Williams has never played third base in the pros, the Brewers could slide Ortiz back to third while moving Turang to shortstop, opening up second for Williams.”

— Curt Hogg, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reporter (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

What’s next

The Brewers will need to finalize their infield plans and determine the starting positions for players like Ortiz, Turang, and Williams before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Brewers' willingness to dramatically reshuffle their infield shows their confidence in their top prospect Jett Williams and their desire to maximize the talent on their roster, even if it means moving established players to new positions. This bold move could pay dividends if the position changes work out, but it also carries significant risk if the transitions don't go smoothly.