The Boston Red Sox are gearing up to face the Cincinnati Reds on Opening Day. Spring training is winding down in Fort Myers. Manager Alex Cora has been making decisions about his roster for the March 26 opener on the road.
Caleb Durbin arrived in camp after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers just before spring training began. He spent time at both second base and third base throughout Grapefruit League play. There was some uncertainty about where he would land defensively for the Red Sox. 3B is his natural position, but some had speculated he could be moved to 2B.
Earlier this week, Cora informed Durbin where he will play.
Durbin Gets the News From Cora
Caleb Durbin spoke to reporters Wednesday and revealed what Alex Cora told him a day earlier.
“I’m going to stick at third from now on,” Durbin said. “Up until that, I guess it was pretty much just looking at the (bulletin) board and wherever I was (listed) that day — and I was mostly at third, obviously. But (Tuesday), (Cora) said I’m going to stay put at third for now.”
The decision settles the question that has followed Durbin since his arrival. Even if the answer felt obvious.
He confirmed that he will be the Red Sox’ starting third baseman. The role fills the vacancy left when Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs during the offseason.
Durbin’s reaction reflected someone who is ready for the opportunity.
“I love third base. I’m excited,” he said. “I’m ready wherever the team needs me, though, is kind of the idea. But they feel good with me at third. I obviously feel good at third. So, excited. Hopefully stick around there for a little bit.”
The decision to keep him at third base recognizes both his defensive ability and his offensive production over the past month.
What Durbin Has Shown This Spring
Caleb Durbin entered Wednesday hitting .394 in 33 at-bats with 7 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. The bat has impressed. The defense has impressed even more.
Cora addressed what he likes about Durbin at third base earlier this month.
“He has a good arm,” Cora said. “He was banged up last year, and I think that actually helped him with everything that he’s doing right now. I’ve seen a lot of third basemen with cannons at third base, but their footwork is not great. This kid has a good arm, and he has great footwork.”
The combination of arm strength and footwork separates good third basemen from average ones. Luckily for the Red Sox, Durbin has both. He finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting for 2025.
GettyCaleb Durbin is the new third baseman in Boston.
What It Means for the Red Sox Infield
With Caleb Durbin locked in at third base, the Red Sox second-base situation becomes clearer.
Marcelo Mayer is the leading candidate to start at second base on Opening Day. Cora has been adamant that Mayer needs to earn the job, but the natural shortstop has made several stellar plays at the position during Grapefruit League action.
The bat has been quiet, but the defense has been sharp. Mayer has displayed versatility across the infield.
Andruw Monasterio is also a candidate for the second-base job after a strong spring. The competition remains open, but Mayer appears to be the favorite heading into the final week before Opening Day.
The Red Sox projected Opening Day infield will feature Durbin at third base, Mayer at second base, Trevor Story at shortstop, and Willson Contreras at first base.
GettyMarcelo Mayer could play 2B for the Red Sox.
Final Word for the Red Sox
Caleb Durbin waited all spring to know where he would play, even if the answer felt inevitable.
He spent most of his time at third base during Grapefruit League play. Cora said weeks ago he felt comfortable with Durbin there. The writing was on the wall. Now it is official.
Third base. The decision settles the Red Sox infield and gives Durbin the clarity he needed heading into the final week.
Cincinnati on March 26. Opening Day is coming.
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