Red Sox Urge New Infielder to Adjust Swing for Green Monster

Caleb Durbin, acquired as Alex Bregman's replacement, could benefit from a swing change to target Fenway's iconic left field wall.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:58pm

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The Boston Red Sox have acquired Caleb Durbin as a replacement for former star infielder Alex Bregman. Analyst Eno Sarris of The Athletic is urging Durbin to make a specific swing adjustment to better take advantage of Fenway Park's Green Monster in left field. Sarris believes Durbin, a contact hitter, could generate more power by making contact later in his swing and elevating the ball more to target the Green Monster.

Why it matters

The Green Monster is one of the most unique features in baseball, providing a big target for right-handed hitters at Fenway Park. If Durbin can successfully adjust his swing to take advantage of the Monster, it could help him provide more offensive value for the Red Sox as they look to replace the production of the departed Bregman.

The details

Sarris suggests Durbin, who has a flatter swing, could benefit from making contact later in his swing when the bat is on a more upward trajectory. This could lead to more balls in the air and more balls ricocheting off the Green Monster. While this adjustment could sacrifice some of Durbin's contact ability, Sarris believes the potential power boost could make it worthwhile for the Red Sox.

  • The Red Sox acquired Caleb Durbin as a replacement for Alex Bregman in the offseason.

The players

Caleb Durbin

The new infielder acquired by the Boston Red Sox to replace the departed Alex Bregman.

Eno Sarris

An analyst for The Athletic who is urging Durbin to adjust his swing to better take advantage of Fenway Park's Green Monster.

Alex Bregman

The former star infielder who left the Red Sox in the offseason, prompting the team to acquire Durbin as a replacement.

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What they’re saying

“With a flatter swing like his, he could benefit from making contact later in his swing, when the bat is on more of an upward trajectory. That would lead to more balls in the air and more balls off that big ol' Green Monster.”

— Eno Sarris, Analyst (The Athletic)

The takeaway

The Red Sox are hoping Caleb Durbin can tap into the unique dimensions of Fenway Park, particularly the Green Monster, to provide offensive production and help replace the loss of star infielder Alex Bregman. Adjusting his swing to generate more loft and leverage the Monster could be a key to Durbin's success in Boston.