Boston Red Sox Land Milwaukee Brewers’ Caleb Durbin in Six-Player Trade: What This Means for 2026

In a move that shakes up their roster ahead of the 2026 season, the Boston Red Sox acquired 25-year-old third baseman Caleb Durbin in a six-player trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. The deal was finalized on Monday, and it involves some intriguing components for both teams. Along with Durbin, the Red Sox received utility infielder Andruw Monasterio, catcher/infielder Anthony Seigler, and a competitive balance Round B selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. In return, the Brewers will receive left-handed pitchers Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan, along with infielder David Hamilton.

This trade isn’t necessarily the flashiest of the offseason, but it is certainly noteworthy for the Red Sox as they look to enhance their infield and overall roster for the upcoming campaign.

The Key Piece: Caleb Durbin’s Potential and Fit with the Red Sox

Caleb Durbin comes off a strong rookie season with the Milwaukee Brewers, finishing third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. Durbin made 136 appearances in 2025, hitting .256 with 11 home runs, 25 doubles, 53 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases. His performance was solid for a rookie, showing both power and speed, and his defensive contributions were equally impressive. He finished the season with a positive 5 defensive runs saved (DRS) at third base, highlighting his value as a strong defender.

What stands out most about Durbin is his versatility. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow spoke highly of the new acquisition, praising his strong bat-to-ball skills, defensive reliability, and his ability to hit as a right-handed hitter. Given Fenway Park’s unique dimensions, Breslow noted that Durbin’s tendency to hit the ball in the air to the pull side could play well in Boston’s ballpark.

Durbin’s ability to step in as a solid third baseman, with potential to also play second base, makes him a valuable addition to the Red Sox’s infield mix. His rookie season demonstrated a high floor, and while he may not be a perennial All-Star just yet, he has all the makings of a consistent and reliable contributor.

Supporting Acquisitions: Monasterio and Seigler

In addition to Durbin, the Red Sox also bolstered their roster with two more pieces: Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler.

Monasterio, a 28-year-old infielder, has been a steady presence for the Brewers. He hit .270 with four home runs, 16 RBIs, and two stolen bases across 68 games last season. Monasterio is a versatile utility player who can help balance the Red Sox’s lineup, offering another right-handed bat to complement the team’s offensive depth. He could become an important option off the bench for manager Alex Cora, especially against left-handed pitchers, having posted a .255/.352/.375 slash line in his career against southpaws.

Anthony Seigler, 26, is a rare hybrid catcher/infielder who adds some intrigue to the Red Sox’s acquisition. Seigler hit .194 in 34 appearances with the Brewers last season but had a standout showing in the minors. In Triple-A, Seigler posted a .414 OBP and an .892 OPS, showcasing his potential with the bat. Though he’s not a finished product at the major league level, Seigler’s versatility and offensive upside make him an interesting prospect for the Red Sox.

Brewers’ Return: Harrison, Drohan, and Hamilton

On the flip side, the Brewers received a package of three players: left-handed pitchers Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan, and infielder David Hamilton.

Harrison, 24, is a promising pitcher who spent part of 2025 with both the San Francisco Giants and Red Sox. He posted a career-best 4.04 ERA across 11 appearances, showing potential as a mid-rotation starter. The Brewers see value in Harrison as part of their pitching depth, which they’ve been focusing on adding as part of their broader strategy. He’s eligible for arbitration in 2028, which makes him a controllable asset for the Brewers.

Shane Drohan, a 27-year-old left-hander, has yet to make his MLB debut but has posted solid minor league numbers. Last season, he went 5-2 with a 3.17 ERA over 15 appearances. Though Drohan is still a work in progress, he is now ranked as the No. 30 prospect in the Brewers’ system, according to MLB Pipeline. He could eventually contribute to the Brewers’ bullpen or starting rotation.

David Hamilton, 28, is an infielder who brings speed to the table, having stolen 22 bases last season while posting a .198 average with six home runs and 19 RBIs. While Hamilton’s bat has been inconsistent, his ability to provide base-stealing threat and serve as a versatile bench option could be valuable to the Brewers moving forward.

A Smart Move for the Red Sox

While this trade might not have made headlines in the same way as other blockbuster moves, it’s a smart move for the Red Sox, especially considering their roster needs heading into the 2026 season. With the addition of Durbin, Monasterio, and Seigler, the Red Sox have bolstered their infield depth and gained some valuable flexibility for manager Alex Cora.

As Breslow pointed out, the Red Sox didn’t have to give up any of their key pieces to secure this deal. Harrison and Drohan were both down the depth chart as rotation options, and Hamilton’s offensive struggles made him an expendable piece. By utilizing their pitching depth, the Red Sox have managed to upgrade their infield without significantly impacting their long-term plans.

Moreover, the Red Sox’s front office is clearly focused on building a balanced roster that can compete across all facets of the game. With the 2026 season fast approaching, adding Durbin — who still has five years of team control — gives Boston a young, cost-effective player who could provide steady value for years to come.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

As both teams gear up for the 2026 season, this trade highlights the Brewers’ commitment to strengthening their pitching staff while the Red Sox continue to improve their depth. For the Brewers, adding controllable arms like Harrison and Drohan — alongside Hamilton’s speed on the bases — is a smart move that enhances their ability to contend in a highly competitive National League.

For the Red Sox, the acquisition of Durbin is a clear step forward in improving their infield. While he may not immediately become a star, his solid all-around game and versatility make him a good fit for the Red Sox lineup. The added depth and flexibility in the infield will help them navigate the grind of a 162-game season, and the Red Sox are clearly positioning themselves to make a serious push for postseason contention.

Conclusion: A Trade with Big Potential for Both Sides

In the end, the six-player trade between the Red Sox and Brewers might not be a headline-grabber, but it’s a deal that could pay dividends for both teams. The Red Sox gain a promising third baseman in Durbin, while the Brewers strengthen their pitching depth with Harrison and Drohan. Both teams come away with valuable pieces for their future, and this trade is one that could shape the rosters of both clubs for years to come.

As the 2026 season draws near, the moves made in February could prove to be the foundation for success later in the year. Both teams have shown that they are willing to make smart, calculated trades that address their respective needs, and it will be exciting to see how these moves play out on the field.