Red Sox Newcomer Durbin Impresses in Spring Training

Infielder acquired in offseason trade is already turning heads in Boston

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boston Red Sox's offseason acquisition of infielder Caleb Durbin is already paying dividends, as the 26-year-old has been "turning heads" in spring training according to reports. Durbin, who was a finalist for NL Rookie of the Year in 2025 with the Milwaukee Brewers, was traded to the Red Sox in the offseason to help fill the void left by the departure of third baseman Alex Bregman.

Why it matters

The Red Sox had a busy offseason, addressing several key needs through trades and free agent signings. Durbin's early success in spring training suggests the team may have found a long-term solution at the hot corner, providing a boost to their young core as they look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

The details

Durbin impressed the Red Sox with his "bat-to-ball skills, good baserunning and strong defense at both third and second base" according to team president Craig Breslow. The young infielder slashed .258/.333/.403 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs in his rookie season with the Brewers, and is now poised to be the Red Sox's starting third baseman to begin the 2026 season.

  • Durbin was a 2025 NL Rookie of the Year finalist with the Milwaukee Brewers.
  • The Red Sox acquired Durbin in a six-player trade with the Brewers this offseason.
  • Durbin has been "turning heads" in Red Sox spring training, according to reports.

The players

Caleb Durbin

A 26-year-old infielder acquired by the Boston Red Sox in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers this offseason. Durbin was a finalist for NL Rookie of the Year in 2025 and is expected to be the Red Sox's starting third baseman to begin the 2026 season.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who has decided that Durbin will start the year at third base while Marcelo Mayer plays second.

Craig Breslow

The president of baseball operations for the Boston Red Sox, who has praised Durbin's integration with the team and his strong defensive and offensive skills.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

“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 Athletic)

What’s next

Durbin is expected to be the Red Sox's starting third baseman to begin the 2026 season, with Marcelo Mayer playing second base.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's offseason acquisition of Caleb Durbin is already paying dividends, as the young infielder has impressed in spring training and appears poised to be a key part of Boston's young core as they look to return to the playoffs.