Caleb Durbin, acquired in December from the New York Yankees as a part of the commerce bundle for reduction pitcher Devin Williams, is about to make his MLB debut with the Brewers on Friday.
With Durbin aiming to solidify his position on the scorching nook, right here’s what it is advisable know concerning the 25-year-old.
Pace, velocity, velocity
Stolen bases turned a defining characteristic of the Brewers below supervisor Pat Murphy. In his first yr in 2024, Milwaukee ranked second within the MLB with 217 stolen bases, with 5 gamers stealing at the very least 20 bases.
Durbin is about to deliver his velocity and base-running instincts to Milwaukee. Even earlier than becoming a member of the Brewers, he showcased his high-level base-running by breaking the Arizona Fall League report for stolen bases, stealing 29 bases in simply 24 video games.
His prowess extends past the Fall League, with a profession whole of 113 stolen bases throughout 294 video games within the minors. Including to his credentials, he delivered a flawless efficiency throughout spring coaching with Milwaukee, going an ideal 10-for-10 in stolen base makes an attempt.
Strong offense to deliver to the recent nook
In spring training, Durbin logged extra at-bats than another Brewer, showing in 18 video games and slashing .259/.339/.407 with two residence runs and 7 RBI over 54 at-bats.
His spring coaching efficiency carried into Triple-A this season, the place he has posted related numbers, slashing .278/.316/.481 with two residence runs and three RBI throughout the identical variety of at-bats.
Durbin’s arrival is a much-needed offensive improve for Milwaukee, given the struggles of third base choices Vinny Capra and Oliver Dunn, who mixed for a .134/.188/.241 batting line with only one residence run and 9 RBI in 19 video games.
Dynamic within the discipline
Whereas Durbin is predicted to tackle third base duties, he has showcased his versatility within the minors, enjoying 5 positions: second base, third base, shortstop, left discipline and heart discipline.
Just lately, he has primarily been a 3rd baseman, however second base stays a well-known spot for him, enjoying there twice in his 13 video games at Triple-A this season.
Minimal strikeouts
Durbin’s sturdy plate self-discipline was a key think about his call-up resolution. All through his minor league profession, he sustained a strikeout price of simply 10.7% (116 strikeouts in 1,080 plate appearances), a pointy distinction to Milwaukee’s crew strikeout price of 23% this season and the 31.3% price mixed for Dunn and Capra.
Whereas the majors might be a problem for Durbin, he’s clearly a participant that Murphy and the Brewers have been intently monitoring, with hopes that he can ship much-needed consistency to the lineup.
