Caleb Durbin, the newest infielder for the Boston Red Sox, is often asked about his height, which MLB records list as 5-foot-7. Now joining a major league club with a storied history, Durbin is well aware that being one of the smaller players on the field will continue to attract attention, but it’s something he has grown accustomed to throughout his baseball journey.
I hear questions about it every time I do press conferences,
Durbin said.
It’s always going to be there. Not really something I worry too much about when I’m playing, but I’ve been the smallest guy on the field at every level. So it’s nothing new to me.
Drawing Inspiration from a Red Sox Icon
As he prepares to make his mark with Boston, Durbin has looked up to one particular player who shares a similar physical profile — former Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia. Pedroia’s success despite his stature has left a lasting impression on Durbin, who sees him as a model for his own playing style and career aspirations.
He’s definitely one of my favorite players growing up,
Durbin said of Pedroia,
and a guy that I would definitely try to model my game around. Obviously, a long way to go, but he was a dude that I really enjoyed watching.
A History of Smaller Players in Red Sox Colors
Records indicate that the Red Sox have had 38 players standing 5-foot-7 or shorter throughout their history, including Jamie Westbrook, who appeared in 2024, and Donnie Sadler from 1998 to 2000. While Pedroia is officially listed as 5-foot-9, he has publicly stated his height is closer to 5-foot-8, underlining the humility and grounded nature that defined his career.
His size is part of who he is,
said Theo Epstein, then the Red Sox general manager and now a part-owner.
His whole life people have been reacting to him, initially, in a certain manner, and his whole life he’s been channeling that and turning it around and laughing as he steps right over them.
Dustin Pedroia’s Legacy of Excellence
Pedroia’s achievements with Boston solidify his place among the franchise’s all-time greats. He was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame two years ago and is now on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot. His accolades include American League Rookie of the Year in 2007 and AL MVP in 2008. Between 2008 and 2014, Pedroia was a four-time All-Star, won a Silver Slugger, captured four Gold Glove Awards—making him the first Red Sox infielder to achieve that—and earned two World Series rings in 2007 and 2013.
Early Success Reflects Pedroia’s Influence
In his rookie season in the major leagues, Durbin has enjoyed moments reminiscent of Pedroia’s initial rise. Last season, he finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting and demonstrated elite skill with a strikeout rate in the 98th percentile according to MLB’s Statcast analytics, which have tracked such metrics since 2015. Pedroia, despite battling knee injuries that shortened his career, ranked between the 87th and 99th percentile in strikeout rate from 2015 to 2017.
Guidance from a Shared Mentor
Durbin has benefited from a connection that reaches back to Pedroia’s early days. Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy, who coached Pedroia at Arizona State University from 2002 to 2004, also mentors Durbin. The close relationship between Murphy and Pedroia is well-documented, with the coach credited for helping Pedroia overcome doubts about his size.
Dustin Pedroia, in my 20 years as a head coach, is the best story I’ve been around,
Murphy said in May 2004 just before Pedroia was drafted by the Red Sox.
He’s the man, Durbin said about Murphy.
He just embraced me. He embraced my skill set and my size. He pokes a lot of fun at us short guys, but definitely a guy that you knew he had your back.
I would ask him a lot of questions (about Pedroia) more than anything,
Durbin added.
He would tell me stories all the time of when he coached him back at ASU. … That was always a cool connection for me; one of my favorite players growing up also played for my coach, so that was always really neat for me.
Durbin’s Journey Through Major League Organizations
While Durbin made his major league debut with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025, he spent significant time in the minor leagues with the New York Yankees, Boston’s long-standing rivals, after being traded from the Atlanta Braves in December 2022. This path gave Durbin ample experience facing Red Sox minor league affiliates and playing in ballparks designed to resemble Boston’s iconic Fenway Park.
Looking Forward to Competing at Fenway Park
Durbin is eager to demonstrate that his batting skills will translate well at his new home field. Known as a strong pull hitter, he also hopes to utilize the entire field but looks forward especially to engaging with Fenway’s unique features.
I’ve always said, I hope I get a chance to play a lot of games at Fenway,
Durbin said.
I’ve always been a good pull-hitter, and obviously like to think that I can use the whole field … but definitely something I’m looking forward to.
I played a good amount of games, being from the Yankees, playing at Greenville and Portland three, four series a year, so I definitely have some experience playing with the Monster in left,
he added, referring to Fenway’s famous Green Monster left-field wall.
A Significant Week Marked by Transition and Support
Durbin’s recent days have been busy and fast-paced. He arrived at Brewers spring training in Arizona last week but learned about his trade early Monday morning before landing in Fort Myers, Florida, on Tuesday night for Red Sox spring training. Throughout the transitions, Brewer’s manager Pat Murphy has stayed in close contact.
He’s texted Pedroia, telling him that I’m coming over,
Durbin said, expressing hope for an opportunity to connect with the former Red Sox star.
Hopefully he’s around, and I get to talk to him a little bit.
Embracing the Chance to Learn from a Legend
When asked what he might ask Pedroia first, Durbin expressed both excitement and admiration. He acknowledged the challenges Pedroia faced due to his size and the toughness required to excel at the highest level.
I don’t know, Durbin said, sounding as eager as a young player meeting a hero.
He’s a similar guy, similar profile to me as far as size goes. So a lot of conversations about stuff like that, and how he was able to overcome a lot in his life and be the superstar that he was able to be.
I only hope to be a little bit like that,
Durbin concluded, underscoring his determination to follow in Pedroia’s footsteps and carve out his own legacy with the Red Sox.
