The Boston Red Sox reportedly addressed their most glaring lineup need by acquiring infielder Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers.
As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Red Sox landed Durbin in a six-player deal. They also received infielders Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler and a competitive balance draft pick for David Hamilton, Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan.
The versatile Durbin gives the Red Sox options when filling out their 2026 lineup card. While he spent most of his time at third base as a rookie, the 25-year-old has also taken reps at second base.
Boston could use Durbin at either spot, with Marcelo Mayer likely occupying the other. Here’s a look at how the Red Sox’s batting order could currently stand with Durbin patrolling the keystone position.
- Roman Anthony, LF
- Trevor Story, SS
- Jarren Duran, DH
- Willson Contreras, 1B
- Wilyer Abreu, RF
- Carlos Narváez, C
- Marcelo Mayer, 3B
- Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
- Caleb Durbin, 2B
The Red Sox can rotate their outfielders so Duran isn’t the everyday designated hitter, and Romy González should continue to start against left-handed pitchers. He’d likely take Mayer’s spot against southpaws, sending the right-handed Durbin to third base.
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Durbin won’t give Boston a power boost. The former New York Yankees prospect batted .256/.334/.387 with 11 home runs in 506 plate appearances last season.
However, Durbin still finished third in last year’s National League Rookie of the Year voting with 2.6 WAR. The 5-foot-7 righty delivers solid defense and elite bat-to-ball skills, posting an 88.4 percent contact rate in 2025.
