Caleb Durbin, a 14th-round MLB Draft pick and former Division III player, emerged as a symbol of perseverance for the Milwaukee Brewers during the 2025 season. Playing for a small-market team with limited resources, Durbin embodied the Brewers’ relentless effort to prove themselves year after year. Despite early doubts about his size and power, Durbin’s impressive rookie campaign earned him a spot among the National League’s Rookie of the Year finalists.
Although the Brewers traded Durbin to the Boston Red Sox in 2026 in exchange for promising pitchers Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan, Milwaukee fans will remember his impactful rookie season for years to come. Below are some of Durbin’s standout moments that captured the spirit and grit of the Brew Crew in 2025.
Highlights from Caleb Durbin’s Breakout Rookie Season in Milwaukee
Durbin’s Strong Showing in the 2025 NLCS Against the Dodgers
The Brewers faced a tough series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, ultimately falling in a four-game sweep. Despite the team’s overall offensive struggles, Durbin’s performance stood out. The rookie collected four hits in 13 at-bats, including three for extra bases, and stole two bases. His slash line of .308/.357/.615 throughout the NLCS demonstrated his tenacity and ability to deliver under pressure.
While many Brewers batters floundered, Durbin’s resilience gave the team hope and provided a rare offensive spark in a series largely dominated by the Dodgers.
Durbin’s Exciting MLB Debut on April 18, 2025
At the start of the 2025 season, the Brewers struggled to find stability at third base, relying on Oliver Dunn and Vinny Capra, both of whom had underwhelming performances. When Durbin was called up to the major leagues, he immediately revitalized the lineup. In his very first game, a 5-3 victory over the Athletics, Durbin went 2-for-4 with two singles and showcased smart base running alongside solid defense at third base.
While it took some time for Durbin to secure a regular spot, his MLB debut brought much-needed energy to the Brewers during a slow season start.
Durbin’s Walk-Off Single Extends the Winning Streak Against Washington on July 12, 2025
Midway through July, Milwaukee was riding one of its three major winning streaks of 2025. After sweeping the Dodgers and winning the opening game against the Washington Nationals, the Brewers aimed to make it six consecutive wins in the second game. Trailing by two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Milwaukee rallied with hits from Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich, and Andrew Vaughn to tie the game.
Andruw Monasterio replaced Vaughn on the bases and moved to third base on a groundout. With one out and a runner on third, Durbin stepped up and hit a single just past the glove of Washington’s Daylen Lile, scoring Monasterio and clinching the win for the Brewers.
Durbin’s Walk-Off Home Run Against the Padres on June 7, 2025
In early June, the Brewers found momentum with a climbing record above .500. Hosting the San Diego Padres for a three-game series, Milwaukee dropped game one but held a two-run lead in the second game’s ninth inning. Relief pitcher Trevor Megill gave up a two-run double to tie the score, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Leading off the bottom of the ninth inning, Durbin faced right-hander David Morgan, who threw a 98 mph fastball just above the strike zone. Durbin connected with the first pitch, sending the ball soaring into left field and into the Brewers’ bullpen, delivering his first career walk-off home run and only the second homer of his young career.
Durbin’s Impact on the Brewers’ Season and Beyond
Caleb Durbin’s 2025 season was a testament to determination, proving that even players from small programs and lower draft rounds can achieve significant success in MLB. His clutch performances, from walk-off hits to consistent postseason efforts, mirrored the Brewers’ own fight to gain recognition in a league filled with larger-market teams.
With the Brewers now acquiring Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan in exchange for Durbin, the organization is looking to build around a deeper pitching staff. Meanwhile, Durbin’s finished rookie season secures him a lasting legacy among Brewers fans, who will remember his contributions as a bright spot during a pivotal era for the franchise.
