Red Sox Trade Big for Caleb Durbin, Bregman Replacement

The Boston Red Sox have acquired infielder Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade aimed at filling the void left by Alex Bregman’s departure, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. In exchange, Boston sent infielder David Hamilton along with left-handed pitchers Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan to Milwaukee. This move comes as the Red Sox seek an Alex Bregman replacement trade to strengthen their infield options heading into the new season.

Durbin Joins Red Sox With Additional Players and Draft Pick

Along with Caleb Durbin, the Red Sox also gained infielder Andruw Monasterio, catcher Anthony Seigler, and a draft pick, as reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic. This six-player transaction addresses Boston’s need for third base depth after missing out on top unrestricted free agents like Bregman and others during the offseason. The Brewers, in return, secured a seasoned starting pitcher to diversify their rotation, which currently consists solely of right-handed arms.

Notably, Durbin has now been traded in two consecutive offseasons. He first arrived in Milwaukee in December 2024 as part of a deal sending Devin Williams to the New York Yankees. That trade also included left-hander Nestor Cortes moving to the Brewers, further shaping their pitching staff.

Addressing Boston’s Third Base Struggles This Offseason

The Red Sox’s efforts to fill their third base spot have been a major storyline this offseason. After Alex Bregman opted out of the remaining two years on his three-year, $120 million contract, Boston pursued nearly every possible option. Rumors linked the team not only to Bregman’s reunion but also to potential trades targeting Brendan Donovan and Isaac Paredes, as well as hopes to sign Eugenio Suarez.

Alex Bregman
Image of: Alex Bregman

With Bregman, Donovan, and Suarez all signing elsewhere, Boston’s infield plans seemed uncertain. Paredes remains a possible trade candidate, but the latest deal involving Durbin might indicate Boston’s withdrawal from chasing him. The only other significant infield addition so far has been utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who provides flexibility but not a definitive third base upgrade.

Caleb Durbin offers a reliable everyday option in the infield and could slot into the lineup alongside prospects such as Marcelo Mayer, who might shift to third base with Durbin handling second. Regardless of the exact configuration, Boston appears to have found a practical solution to replace Bregman’s production and presence on the diamond.

Durbin’s Early Career and MLB Upside

Durbin began the 2025 season in Triple-A before earning a call-up to the major league club in April. He secured the Brewers’ third base job and firmly held it throughout the season. The 25-year-old posted a 105 wRC+ in his rookie year, demonstrating solid offensive contributions by making frequent contact rather than relying on pure power. He ranked as one of only five qualified hitters with a strikeout rate below 10%, underscoring his disciplined approach at the plate.

Red Sox Continue to Move Pieces from the Rafael Devers Trade

This transaction marks Boston’s third departure of players acquired in the Rafael Devers trade with the San Francisco Giants. David Hamilton, part of the package centered around left-hander Kyle Harrison, was one of the players dealt. Harrison made only three appearances with the Red Sox before being included in this latest deal.

Additionally, right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks was traded to the Chicago White Sox earlier this February. That move, motivated largely by financial considerations, reduced Boston’s remaining salary commitments by $16 million of the $24 million owed to Hicks. Another former Devers asset, outfielder James Tibbs III, spent less than two months with the Red Sox organization before being flipped to the Dodgers for right-hander Dustin May last year.

Among the players remaining from the original Devers package, right-handed pitcher Jose Bello is still with Boston’s system. The 20-year-old has reached Single-A but has yet to advance further.

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