The Boston Red Sox acquired Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason and paid a hefty price to do so.
After a slow start, Durbin has turned his season around, slashing .313/.377/.526 since May 28. He is clearly going to be the starting third baseman for the next few years, and that is going to be a tough pill to swallow for the New York Yankees.
Before Durbin was a Brewer, he was a prospect in the Yankees organization. He was not even a top 30 prospect, and the team traded him for, at the time, superstar closer Devin Williams. Well, Williams' time in the Bronx was forgettable to say the least, posting a 4.79 ERA in 67 games in 2025, and then leaving to join the New York Mets. Meanwhile, Durbin was a Rookie of the Year finalist in the National League.
Seeing that was likely enough to upset the Yankees, but now having to watch Durbin thrive for their biggest rival must be brutal. Not only that, but seeing how bad they themselves are at third base must only make things worse.
The Yankees acquired Ryan McMahon last year to play third base, and he has been terrible. He is making $16 million and hitting .212. Durbin would be a clear upgrade over the expensive veteran who is clearly past his prime.
Durbin was also a thorn in the Yankees' side the last time the two teams played. During the four-game series in June, the Red Sox swept the Yankees, and Durbin went 6-for-15 with a homer, four RBI and a stolen base. The Yankees will seemingly have to watch him dominate for the Red Sox for years to come.