The Boston Red Sox completed their infield on February 9 by trading for Caleb Durbin and utility infielders Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Siegler from the Milwaukee Brewers. Had someone told Red Sox Nation that their offseason infield additions would be Durbin and Willson Contreras, fans probably wouldn't believe it, but that's the way the winter shook out for Boston.
Durbin reported to Fenway South for spring training on February 11 and Boston sees him as an everyday player, so he'll compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. The infielder's height stands out, as many of his former Brewers and current Red Sox teammates tower over him. Durbin stands at five-foot-seven, which is short for most baseball players, but he told Red Sox reporters he isn't discouraged by it.
"I hear questions about [my height] every time I do press conferences, you know, it's always gonna be there... I've been the smallest guy on the field at every level, it's not really new to me," Durbin said.
Durbin's outlook is a great one to have for things outside of his control. It also reminds Red Sox fans of a former team legend, Dustin Pedroia, who was frequently doubted for his smaller stature on his way to stardom in Boston.
Newest Red Sox infielder Caleb Durbin modeled his game after Boston legend Dustin Pedroia
Caleb Durbin 🤝 Dustin Pedroia
— NESN (@NESN) February 11, 2026
"He's definitely one of my favorite players growing up, and a guy that I definitely try to model my game around." pic.twitter.com/HMV0e0ARgR
Pedroia is five-foot-nine, according to his roster page, but being rather short didn't stop him from winning Rookie of the Year, an MVP Award, multiple Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers and two World Series titles.
"He's definitely one of my favorite players growing up, and a guy that I definitely try to model my game around. Obviously, long way to go, but he was a dude I really enjoyed watching," Durbin said of Pedroia.
The links between Durbin and Pedroia could continue if he lands the job as the Red Sox's starting second baseman. Boston didn't commit to assigning a position for Durbin yet, but he and Marcelo Mayer are the options for second and third base.
If Durbin wins the second base spot, he could become the Sox's most consistent second baseman since Pedroia's career-altering injury in 2017. More than a dozen players have played at the keystone for Boston over the last nine years and it would be ideal if Durbin, who's under contract until 2031, became the go-to guy the Red Sox have been desperate for.