The New York Yankees were fortunate to receive anything at all in return for their trade of Lucas Luetge to the Atlanta Braves, as the dependable veteran was designated for assignment, meaning he could be claimed for free by any team. After reaching an agreement, two players—including infielder Caleb Durbin—would be traded to New York. A little infielder selected in the third round out of a Division III college, he was more of a body to add to the organization’s MiLB depth than a noteworthy return.
Rather, he would excel in his first season with the Yankees, and since he was invited to Spring Training as a non-roster, he has the opportunity to make some changes and push himself.
It’s a major accomplishment that Caleb Durbin made it this far in his career—he wasn’t expected to be in this position at all. In the last three MLB Drafts, just six players—or fewer than 1% of all players selected—came from Division III universities. Durbin had a difficult time at the plate while he was a member of the Atlanta Braves, recording a 103 wRC+ but had severe trouble in High-A. He would soon begin working with their hitting coaches on a fresh strategy at the plate after being traded to the Yankees.
He saw a significant gain in his game power, but he kept his exceptional ability to produce contact, so the important stats to watch here are the strikeout rate and isolated power. This resulted from a change in strategy towards throwing the ball higher into the air, and if he can maintain this direction moving forward, he might soar through the prospect ranks come 2024.
His defensive versatility is one of the abilities he possesses that might benefit a team in addition to his bat, and he told us at Fireside Yankees that he might even pick up some corner outfield to increase his utility. Originally a shortstop, he moved to third base after getting drafted and has proven to be a formidable opponent in the infield wherever he has been.
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