Rising Star: Yankees Breakout Prospect Shines in…
The New York Yankees have several questions as the 2025 MLB offseason moves along. Following a disappointing ending in the World Series, the team is facing a potential talent shortfall next year. The potential absence of Juan Soto aside, what is the plan if second baseman Gleyber Torres signs elsewhere? It could involve prospect Caleb Durbin.
In the seven years Torres has played for the team, he is slashing a .265/.334/.774 line with 138 home runs. His fielding, however, has been an issue during his tenure, leading the league in errors for the last two seasons in a row. His decline in power, along with an increasing strikeout rate, is prompting discussions about moving on from the former top prospect. At the moment, it appears Torres is signing somewhere else.
However, in a sense, this could be a major blessing for the Yankees, who might not be keen to sign an estimated $15 million yearly deal. A cheaper option for the Yankees, and perhaps the correct one, could be calling on Caleb Durbin to fill the void.
What to Know About Rising Yankees Prospect Caleb Durbin
Bio/College Career
Surprisingly, Caleb Durbin is not on the Yankees’ top 30 prospects list, according to MLB Pipeline. When you look at his ability to adapt to the pros, it’s hard to justify keeping him off that list.
Durbin is a 5’6″, 180-pound shortstop who also can play second base. Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB draft, he saw some success at the lower level before being traded to the Yankees in a deal for left-handed pitcher Lucas Luetge.
During his college career at Washington University in Missouri, the infielder slashed a solid .386/.477/1.085 with 33 doubles, 9 triples, and 10 home runs. He also displayed some speed for a second baseman, swiping 39 stolen bases in 47 attempts.
The most impressive stat is his strikeout-to-walk rate. Durbin walked 42 times in 439 plate appearances, good enough for a 10% walk rate. He only stuck out 10 times in his college career. That’s under 3%, which is unheard of for a three-year college player.
Think about that number this way. If you compared Durbin’s college strikeout rate to all MLB players for this past season, according to Team Rankings, Durbin has the best rate out of every single player. To have nearly as many triples as strikeouts in your entire college career is a seriously impressive skill.
