The Red Sox are acquiring infielder Caleb Durbin from the Brewers, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN. Milwaukee receives a three-player package including lefties Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan as well as infielder David Hamilton, Passan adds. Boston is also picking up infielder Andruw Monasterio, catcher/infielder Anthony Seigler and a Competitive Balance Round B pick, per Will Sammon of The Athletic.
Durbin is a notable pickup for the Boston infield and should be penciled in for everyday at-bats — presumably at third base, though he can also handle second base if the Red Sox prefer Marcelo Mayer at the hot corner from a defensive standpoint. The 25-year-old Durbin (26 in a couple weeks) finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2025 after he batted .256/.334/.387 with 11 home runs, 25 doubles, 18 steals (24 attempts), a 5.9% walk rate and a tiny 9.9% strikeout rate. He turned in above-average marks for his glovework at third in the estimation of both Defensive Runs Saved (5) and Outs Above Average (2).
He’s not the big middle-of-the-order presence many Sox fans have coveted, but Durbin is an affordable, controllable and versatile defender who’ll further the Red Sox’ pivot toward run prevention and help to lower a team strikeout rate that was 10th-highest in the sport last year at 22.9%. He’s a right-handed hitter whose pull percentage (43.3%) is a bit higher than league average (40.6%), which should play well with the Green Monster at Fenway Park. Durbin comes to the Red Sox with five full seasons of club control and two minor league option years remaining (not that there’ll be any thought of optioning him to the minors anytime soon after last year’s strong performance).
If Durbin is ticketed for the hot corner, that’ll leave second base to a combination of the left-handed-hitting Mayer and righty-swinging Romy Gonzalez. Recently signed utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa can back up both those positions as well as shortstop.
The 28-year-old Monasterio could also factor in at either second or third base, although like Gonzalez and Kiner-Falefa, he’s a right-handed hitter. As is the case with Gonzalez, Monasterio also carries notable platoon splits. He’s a career .255/.352/.375 batter against lefties but a .246/.303/.338 hitter against fellow righties. He’s coming off a career-best showing in the majors — albeit in a limited sample of 135 plate appearances — having slashed .270/.319/.437 (111 wRC+) with four homers. He’s controllable for another four seasons and won’t be arbitration-eligible until at least next offseason (possibly later, depending on how much time he spends in the minors this year).
Monasterio also has nearly 3500 professional innings at shortstop under his belt, so he gives Boston another backup option to oft-injured Trevor Story at shortstop (alongside Kiner-Falefa). He also has a full slate of three minor league option years remaining, so there’s no guarantee he’ll open the season on Boston’s major league roster. He’ll have the opportunity to win a role in camp, but barring injury and/or trade, Boston’s bench seems likely to include Gonzalez, Kiner-Falefa, catcher Connor Wong and outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida.
All of that assumes that Mayer makes the Opening Day roster, but it’s possible that the former No. 4 overall pick could open the season in Triple-A Worcester, too. Mayer’s .228/.272/.402 slash was well below league-average in 2025, but he only turned 23 in December and has an impressive minor league track record. That includes a .271/.347/.471 showing in Triple-A last year. He’ll have every opportunity to win a starting job in camp with the Red Sox, but late additions of Durbin and Kiner-Falefa lessen the team’s reliance on the still largely untested top prospect.
Boston also picks up the 26-year-old Seigler, who’ll provide some depth in the upper minors and could be a frequently used bench piece over the course of the coming season. He’s batted just .194/.292/.210 in an insignificant sample of 73 major league plate appearances, but Seigler hit .285/.414/.478 with eight homers, 16 doubles, four triples, 23 steals (27 attempts), a 16.9% walk rate and a 19.2% strikeout rate in 307 Triple-A plate appearances this past season. He’s been used as an infielder (second base, specifically) far more frequently than a catcher in recent seasons due to troubles controlling the run game and a susceptibility to passed balls.
Even if he’s rarely deployed behind the plate, Seigler is at the very least an interesting third catcher option who also is comfortable at second base and third base. He has two minor league option years remaining and doesn’t even have a full season of major league service, making him controllable for at least the next six full seasons.
More to come.
NOOOOOOOO!! OUR TEAM GOT TALLER
JARREN DURAN SURVIVES!!!
Loving this!
Worried if this guy will be the same without Milwaukee Magic, and sad to see Harrison go so soon, but seems like a clear upgrade from where we were.
Im always worried about trading for guys without an established record. Seen plenty of them that go right off the cliff after their first partial season
GaSox – At first glance, I like Durbin. .858 OPS in 2 years of AAA, finished 3rd for ROY, plays 2B and 3B, only 26, several years of team control left. A bit of a late Bloomer like Duran.
It will take a while to properly evaluate a 6-player trade, but I’m glad Harrison is gone and it’s interesting Hamilton was reacquired by the Brewers.
If anything, the comp pick has value to me, it gives a healthy boost to slot values and is a fairly desirable trade chip in its own right
GaSox – Agreed, but for now I’m focused on 2026.
Red sox players they are sending arnt established either so their is risk for both teams
Wow, really nice player here! The Red Sox are going for it!
Kyle Harrison = Quinn Priester Pat 2.
Motor – Could be, Milwaukee is a lot better at getting the most out of pitchers than the Red Sox are.
Paredes to the Pirates!
Hey, a real trade. I didn’t understand all the love for Durbin. I get that he’s young, but his numbers weren’t THAT good. Apparently Milwaukee agrees. The Brewers have been great turning around pitchers so the key to the deal to me is if they can do the same for Kyle Harrison.
2.8 bWAR in 136 games in his debut season is pretty dang solid IMO. 2B was a black hole for the Sox last year so if he ends up as the everyday guy there, that’s a big upgrade for them
Very good contact hitter, kinda in the Brendan Donovan mold.
Red Sox playing the Brewers game acquiring Durbin and a pick. I think its funny. Brewers had to trade Durbin with their IF pipeline. Fangraphs has Jett Williams taking over at SS and Joey Ortiz sliding over to third base.
I think the Brew Crew did well. Drohan had a nice run at AAA, 67K in 47.2IP while sitting 93/94 mph with the heater. 1.01 WHIP, he must be hitting his spots. Drohan certainly the A Side for the Brewers. Harrison only 24 years old, he could still have a good MLB career as a LHRP.
Red Sox add Durbin to start at third base, Expressing little confidence in Mayer and Gonzalez. It’s an underwhelming addition to the lineup but 5 DRS at 3B plays well. Durbin can hit a little too but he is dimunitive and likely maxed out at a .750 OPS, that is likely his ceiling. He could go Altuve on us but unlikely. Good ball player, .750 OPS is solid, but he is filling the shoes of a guy who has a career OPS of .846.
Breslow pivoting to a small ball approach at 3B? Or could we see Durbin at the keystone with a trade for a 3B yet to come.
I think that there is likely another deal in the works.
Holy cow! Now that’s an interesting deal. Durbin was very good, definitely had seller’s remorse trading him for Devin (though I praised it at the time).
Brewers get back Harrison who was pretty blocked and Hamilton who I think could be something with the right coaching.
I need a game against NY this season where Durbin scores the winning run, driven in by Carlos Narvaez, getting Greg Weissert the relief Win.
Dammit, Meow, now I’m triggered! lol!
MeowMeow don’t stop there. Elmer Rodriguez needs to give up the hit.
@Meow – You forget Whitlock with the hold and Chapman with the save. Throw in Seigler there somewhere.
I’m okay with it as long as we get a playoff win from Elmer Cruz. 🤣
Ferpad – You’re good!
Now the Sox should sign Verdugo, that would teach the Yanks!
I forgot that Whitlock was a Rule 5(!?!?) guy from NY as well. Chapman I’d leave out; he went other places in the interrim and we’ve already got plenty direct-from-NYY options 😂
Boston picking up a couple of former Yankees prospects in this one that they can haunt them with later lol.
Later on? I’d definitely say right now.
Durbin would’ve been the Yankees’ everyday 3B had they not traded him to get Devin Williams. Otherwise the Bombers wouldn’t have traded for McDonough.
Pretty heavy package going to MIL. Sorry we’ll never get to see if Harrison had anything.
So, let’s get 4-5 more infielders and then I think we’ll be set.
And it appears we have both 3rd place finishers for ROY last year. Nice.
Kind of feels like a pretty light return for MIL with the full details now. Why’d they need to add a comp b pick and Monasterio?
Yeah, it’s weird the Red Sox get the headliner name AND a draft pick haha
I mean, they got David Hamilton. Runs really fast.
I did notice the Comp pick. Nice little grab by Bres there. And Monasterio can jump on the merry go round that is the BOS infield this year.
Swanhenge – yeah, just a few more INFs……
looks like we’re heading for a Mayer and Durbin platoon, doesn it?
That’s not a terrible platoon, but if they both hit, I can see Durbin at 3B and Meyer at 2B. When Story goes to the IL, Mayer slides to SS. When Story returns from IL, he goes to 2B to save his leg/arm/shoulder. Just like TOR did w Bichette this year.
IKF is officially in a back-up mode now. Albeit an expensive back up, but he should be fine as a depth piece.
With Coras’ penchant for myriad lineups I’m seeing a three man 2nd/3rd rotation among Durbin, Mayer, and Gonaelz.
Holy Cow!!!!
Seems decently fair although I’d probably rather have Bostons pickups.
So does this mean a parades trade for the brewers? Im hoping so. Otherwise who is at 3rd?
Move Ortiz to 3rd- Jett Williams may be starting SS
Brewers promoting Jett Williams with Ortiz sliding over to 3B, they have a deep group on the farm, cant see them trading for Parades.
I can see Boston adding Parades and starting Durbin at second base. Duran and Mayer out of town in that trade.
Would be a coup for the Astros.
Does Boston have anyone left from the Devers trade?
Jose Bello. So no.
Fanatic – Just goes to show how much the Sox tried to hype the return for Raffy. It didn’t work, Red Sox Nation knew it was nothing more than a salary dump and the fact all three key players are already gone proves it.
FPG – i am concerned about this becoming a Mayer/Durbin platoon.
I know Mayer has injury concerns, but i really wanted him to see what he has if given the chance to play 155 at third base,
It was never about the return, it was about getting a malcontent off the team and freeing up money. it worked out great. Used the money for contract extensions and signing Suarez. And they used surplus pitching to get a young, cost-controlled starting inf. An amazing trade.
Sad – Here’s something to consider …… Story’s trade value right now is the highest it’s been since before he left Colorado. We all know his defense really suffered at the end of last season. He does not have a NTC.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Story gets traded, thus reducing payroll and freeing up positions for Mayer, Durbin and IKF.
ellis – Freeing up money = salary dump ;O)
They never wanted to give Raffy that contract, and they were adamant about dumping it. They succeeded.
BTW – They used the money from Buehler, Giolito, Hendriks, Hicks, and Bregman for contract extensions and signing Suarez.
But like I said, I like Durbin and am glad they made this trade.
FPG – Wow, hadnt thought o that scenario.
Can we afford to lose the 20+ HRs though?
Jose Bello
BIGGG
This is a weak trade for the Sox. It’s not much of an upgrade from their internal options
Weak trade? This is a great trade! Durbin is a much better option than what we have and was worth more bWAR than Donovan in slightly less playing time. Great trade!
JM – What internal options? The only one this may impact is Campbell. Romy, Hamilton, Sogard, Eaton …. none of them were going to be an everyday infielder.
Best of all, the Sox avoid picking up Paredes’ $9M salary this season.
Everyone says all of Bostons’ infielders stink, then a trade is made and people are like” The guys we already had are better”
This is one of the dumbest comment sections anywhere.
You cast very wide nets.
Something should be coming out of Boston.
I would take Boston out of the running. Durbin is definitely sstepping in as their 3rd baseman. I think it’s now a Pirates or Tigers trade for Paredes.
Brewers?
I’m not sure. I feel like it’s rare that they pull a go for it trade for one, but then like why bother trading Durbin? It’s not like they got immediately better by doing so, and does Paredes make them better than Durbin? Different types of players, but I dunno. Anything is possible. They do have some excess in the OF. I’d still put the other two teams ahead of them especially since they could move Ortiz to 3rd and start Jett Williams at SS. I feel like this move was more to facilitate that than adding another IF.
2B
Depends how the Sox want to deploy him, but obviously this fills a IF hole.
Little sad to see Drohan go, but if that’s the cost to get rid of Harrison and Hamilton so be it.
So would he be the 3B?
I believe so. Durbin to 3B, Mayer/Romy platoon at 2B. IKF as back up.
I’m kinda OK with this.
And maybe Durbin can hit 2nd between Anthony and Duran.
I’m good with this. Durbin could be a super UT guy for a long while
Andrew – how many super utility guys do the Sox need?
Sad – we’re talking Alex Cora.
So, id say 26, but, that doesnt let him play with call-ups… id say 40, but, that doesnt account for injuries.
So let’s say cora would be comfortable right around 52.
GASox – hahahaha, thats true!
I can see Cora creating a five man infield carousel……..
How many do you think they have now? Last I heard all the red Sox options for third and second base stunk. Now the Red Sox have all sorts of “super utility guys”?
Ok
If they’re giving the Red Sox Monasterio too then this means that the Brewers have no third basemen. So…Paredes to the Brewers? Don’t see them giving the Astros any of their LH OFers?
Hamilton could be a third baseman, although I am not sure if he is the answer or if he is a utility guy.
Yeah I’m wondering if this means they’re hoping to have Jett Williams start at short on opening day, move Ortiz over to 3B. That’d make a lot of sense.
He is neither a third baseman nor the answer.
I thought AI was the answer.
Got ‘eem
I thought 42 was the answer!
Move Ortiz back. Likely Jett at SS
Brewers clean out their depth infielders and get back a starting pitcher project and one of their former draft picks
I dont mind Durbin
Other thoughts:
1) Breslow is all over the place
2) IKF signing becomes even more annoying
3) Mayer is going to lose playing time
4) Cora is already creating the infield carousel
5) Great return for Devers, Jose Bello
1) Red Sox fans wanted several pickups, so Breslow does have to be all over the place.
2) IFK will be utility infielder, with a gold glove. This shouldnt annoy you, its not your money.
3) Agree, we dont have to worry about Mayer’s injury past.
4) Agree, rest is a good thing
5) Yes it was. Devers contract was a great thing to get off the books.
Mayer has the losing playing time deal down pat all on his own. Cite to 4 straight… errr.. every professional baseball season he’s played.
Kinda ironic that BOS just traded for 2 former Yankee prospects …. Maybe NYY fans were not crazy to think that NYY could have traded for Devers last year …..jk 🙂
Breslow couldn’t get away with that. Though he probably wanted to do that
Caleb Durbin: “Arthroscopic surgery on Oct 30, 2025.”
Nice and slow with the entire infield. Let it all shake out.
Just when I think that the Mets are signing all the ex-Yankees…Boston nabs Durbin and Seigler.
The Brewers have now traded two young players that had very good rookie seasons. These are the kind of long term, inexpensive, and productive players that every team covers.
Collins and Durbin.
I really wonder what Milwaukee knows.
Collins is old though. This one is very weird.
CATS:
Milwaukee hopes it just got 2 more Quinn Priesters.
Kristian cambell is now officially the redsox bat boy
They should just trade him at this point, alredy screwed his head up by making him play half a dozen positions as a 22 yr old rookie. Now they completely give up on him
Can’t trade him. He has that contract, and no defensive position. That kills his value. They would likely need to add a prospect to dump the salary of a 22 yr old. Hilarious!
Red Sox did well. They got the best player in Durbin AND the Comp Balance pick.
Yes very well
But somehow i feel brewers will bring the best out of kyle. They bring out the best in nearly every arm that ever passes thru milwaukee
@Chandler – Brewers must see something there as they do keep churning out starters. Interesting they moved on from both Collins and Durbin after solid rookie seasons.
Ye i had same observation. Collins & durbin both flashed potential. A bit odd to move them both. Then again brewers might have the best farm system in all mlb. Phenomenal coaching & development. Jesus made, luis pena, cooper pratt, jett williams could all be stars…
Because both are fools gold. Selling high
I guarantee both take steps back this year offensively
Only fails for crew if Made n kids are complete busts
@showtime
Its possible
But boston’s got a solid lineup. Durbin could carry over that success… kc lineup not too shabby, they do a solid job of developing young players too… its not like they got traded to nationals or pirates or orioles or whitesox… the opportunity is there for both to grow as hitters
What? This is weird to me.
Still think Meyer is playing 3B and Durbin will be starter at 2B. IKF is a bench player, that probably will be traded at deadline, Monasterio will start in the Minors and replace IKF when he is traded.
Milwaukee is the new Tampa on trades. Another very beneficial trade for the Brewers.
The only difference is brewer pitchers dont all go down with TJ
Good trade for Brew Crew with their infield depth (majors and prospects to come). Even better trade for Sox. Moved three depth guys for a definite starting bat, two depth guys, AND a draft pick. Only way Sox lose this deal is if Harrison becomes a frontline starter – jury out.
Nothing wrong with a Win/Win trade, it means the two teams will do more of them.
Durbin is awesome, sucks to lose him, they must love Kyle Harrison.
I have always thought Kyle Harrison looks a little like (younger) Corbin Burnes
From the outside, seems a good deal for both teams, which are what trades are supposed to be.
Durbin had 2.8 WAR in 136 games in 2025. Hamilton had 2.6 WAR in 98 games in 2024. Hamilton took a step back in 2025. Durbin is obviously younger, but the Brewers have a tendency of getting the best out of players. Then, you throw in Harrison on top of that. Seems like a good deal for Milwaukee.
I like this deal a lot for both teams. Durbin is pretty good and adding him and subtracting Hamilton helps with getting more righty bats and less lefties. Harrison deserves a shot and wasnt going to get it in Boston. Really good trade for both teams.
I agree, on paper I think this works well for both. I am curious to see how this will affect Mayer overall.
Raise your hands Red Sox fans if you really know anything about Durbin. That said, enjoy the moment. Hamilton is gone!!
This article, and pretty much all the comments here, discuss this trade from Boston’s perspective. Trying to figure out how this makes sense from the Brewers side of things.