The Boston Red Sox are making moves as they prepare for the upcoming baseball season. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the team has reached an agreement to acquire third baseman Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers, with left-hander Kyle Harrison as the centerpiece of the three-player trade heading back to Milwaukee.
Durbin, 25, impressed during his rookie season, finishing third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. He posted a solid batting line of .256/.334/.387, along with 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases, all while showcasing strong defensive skills at third base, as well as brief appearances at shortstop and second base.
In addition to Durbin, the Red Sox have been linked to other potential acquisitions. Boston Globe’s Alex Speier mentioned that the Sox are also eyeing the Chicago Cubs’ Matt Shaw, who placed ninth in the Rookie of the Year voting, and Nico Hoerner. The Cubs are evaluating their options, considering a strong infield situation following the signing of Alex Bregman. The Red Sox are reportedly among the top suitors interested in securing a Chicago infielder.
Both Shaw and Hoerner offer different advantages; Shaw comes with six years of team control, while Hoerner is eligible for free agency in 2026. However, the Cubs may choose to retain Hoerner due to his valued contributions on and off the field.
As the offseason progresses, Tim Healey from the Boston Globe commented on the ideal player the Red Sox are looking for—a right-handed infielder who combines good defense with offensive capabilities. The search has led to other potential candidates, including Houston Astros’ Isaac Paredes, although the path to landing him has proven challenging for the Red Sox. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome reported interest from other teams, indicating that Paredes is a sought-after asset.
With pitchers and catchers set to report to spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, this week, time is of the essence for Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow to finalize a deal. The excitement surrounding these potential trades reflects the team’s commitment to bolstering the lineup and enhancing their chances for the upcoming season. As the Red Sox navigate these trade discussions, fans remain hopeful for further productive transactions before spring training kicks off.