Craig Breslow Answers Question About Caleb Durbin, Marcelo Mayer Infield Positions
The Boston Red Sox acquired Caleb Durbin in a winning trade on Monday with the Milwaukee Brewers, and a lot of Red Sox fans immediately assumed that Durbin will be Boston’s third baseman in 2026.
Durbin is capable of playing multiple positions, and Red Sox CBO Craig Breslow pushed back on the notion on Monday that Durbin’s position is set in stone.
Per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Breslow said that the Red Sox leadership hasn’t decided whether Durbin will play second base or third base, which also means they haven’t decided where Marcelo Mayer will play.
Durbin, a 5’7″ versatile infielder acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers last season in a trade with the Yankees, debuted on April 18, 2025, and quickly secured a regular role at third base. In 136 games (all with the Brewers), he batted .256 with a .334 on-base percentage and .387 slugging, posting an OPS of .721. He contributed 11 home runs, 53 RBIs, 60 runs scored, 25 doubles, and 18 stolen bases.
Durbin finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting, reflecting his impact despite modest power metrics. Postseason play included a .276 average over limited at-bats. He underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery in late October 2025 but is expected to be ready for spring training.
Mayer, the Red Sox’s 2021 first-round pick (No. 4 overall), reached the majors on May 24, 2025. The left-handed hitting infielder appeared in 44 games, batting .228 with a .272 OBP and .402 SLG for a .674 OPS. He recorded four home runs, 10 RBIs, 20 runs, eight doubles, and one triple across 127 at-bats, with 41 strikeouts indicating adjustment challenges.
Mayer dealt with injuries, including a right wrist sprain that landed him on the IL in late July.
His limited sample showed defensive promise and occasional pop, but health limited his exposure. At 23, Mayer remains a high-ceiling talent with room to build consistency.