As the Boston Red Sox gear up for the 2026 season, fans were expecting a clear-cut infield arrangement. Trevor Story was set to take over shortstop duties, Marcelo Mayer was pegged for second base, and Alex Bregman was to hold down third. But with Bregman's departure, the Red Sox have had to rethink their strategy.
Enter Caleb Durbin, a standout rookie from Milwaukee and a 2025 Rookie of the Year finalist. While Durbin is a natural fit at third base, Boston is exploring various infield combinations during spring training.
In the opening week, Durbin has primarily been working at third, while Mayer has been focusing on second. However, manager Alex Cora announced that Durbin will also get some reps at second base, with both players expected to share time at third during the first Grapefruit League games.
Fans initially speculated that Durbin would slot in as the starting second baseman. According to a report from Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, there was internal talk of Mayer potentially playing third base, aligning him closer to his future role at shortstop.
The competition for second and third base is heating up between Durbin and Mayer. Mayer, who filled in admirably at third during Bregman’s injury last season, showcased his defensive prowess despite limited experience at the position. He committed just one error over 248.2 innings.
Durbin, on the other hand, spent his rookie year mostly at third but has experience across the infield. With a solid league-average ranking in Outs Above Average (OAA) and a 51st percentile range, his versatility could make him a strong candidate for second base, where he logged extensive minor league time.
This infield battle is one of the more intriguing storylines of the Red Sox spring training, alongside the contest for the fifth spot in the rotation. The decision will likely hinge on whether Boston values Durbin's major league experience at third or prefers to keep Mayer there to nurture his development as the team's future shortstop.