The Boston Red Sox made a quietly savvy move on Monday, finalizing a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers that adds depth, balance, and long-term value to their infield. In return for infielder David Hamilton and lefties Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan, Boston landed Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler, and a compensatory draft pick - a package that might not grab headlines, but could pay real dividends.
Let’s start with Durbin. The 25-year-old is coming off a strong rookie campaign, posting a 2.6 fWAR with a .334 on-base percentage and five defensive runs saved at third base.
That’s a solid foundation for a young player entering just his second MLB season. He brings defensive versatility, with the ability to slide over to second base if Boston opts to keep top prospect Marcelo Mayer at third.
And while Durbin may not have the name recognition of a star like Alex Bregman, he offers a similar profile at a fraction of the cost - roughly $30 million less in salary and five full seasons of team control. That’s the kind of math front offices and ownership groups love in today’s baseball economy.
Durbin also brings a right-handed bat to a Red Sox lineup that’s been looking for more balance. His presence adds flexibility for manager Alex Cora, especially when facing left-handed pitching.
Speaking of righty bats, don’t overlook Andruw Monasterio. He’s not flashy, but he’s a reliable utility infielder who’s slashed .255/.352/.375 against southpaws over his career.
That kind of production off the bench gives Cora another tactical option late in games or during tough matchups.
Then there’s Anthony Seigler, a name that might raise some eyebrows. A rare catcher/infielder hybrid, Seigler is coming off a strong stint in Triple-A, where he posted a .414 OBP and .892 OPS.
That kind of plate discipline and positional versatility is rare - and valuable. He’s a developmental piece, but one worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.
What’s notable here is how the Red Sox pulled this off without tapping into their core. Hamilton had upside but was blocked in the infield.
Harrison and Drohan were buried on the pitching depth chart, unlikely to crack the rotation anytime soon. Boston dealt from a position of surplus to address a real need - a move that improves the club now and sets them up for the future.
And let’s not forget: the Red Sox still have all four of their starting outfielders intact. That’s a good kind of logjam to have. It gives them options, whether that’s in terms of lineup flexibility or future trades.
This isn’t a blockbuster, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar move that smart front offices make to stay competitive. Durbin may not be headed to the All-Star Game tomorrow, but he makes the Red Sox better today - and that’s what counts.