Yankees’ young infield prospect could emerge as depth option in 2024

The key metrics to look at here are the strikeout rate and isolated power, as he maintained his excellent ability to generate contact while seeing a massive improvement in his game power. This came from a shift towards lifting the ball in the air more, and if he can continue that trend going forward, he could fly up prospect boards heading into the 2024 campaign.

Some of the skills he has that can help a team outside of his bat include his defensive versatility, and he told us at Fireside Yankees that he might even learn some corner outfield to provide more utility. Naturally a shortstop, he picked up third base upon being drafted and has really held his own around the infield wherever he’s been needed.

Defense is something that Caleb Durbin takes pride in, constantly working on his skills with the glove and making strides as he’s taken on new challenges on the baseball diamond. Another area of his game that he takes pride in is his speed, swiping 21 bases in 23 attempts in the Arizona Fall League and he stole 36 bases in 44 attempts at the Minor League level, which meant he stole 57 bases in just 92 games, a ridiculous number even if it’s easier to steal bases in those leagues relative to the Major Leagues.

As a non-roster invite, he’ll be sharing the spotlight with some of the best prospects in the Yankees’ top prospects, including Spencer Jones and Chase Hampton, with whom he was teammates during the season. The storyline that most will follow (and understandably so) pertains to Juan Soto, the big splash of the offseason for the Yankees. Caleb Durbin isn’t going to be the main attraction at Spring Training, but he’s thrived as an underdog throughout his entire career.

“What honestly helps me that I can fall back on is coming from a division three school. I’m playing with a lot of guys that went to bigger schools than me or got drafted out of high school. So I’m in my head behind the curb on that end. So I need to every single day come to the ballpark, I need to kind of have that edge to me to perform every single game, because I know these guys are coming from a little bit bigger schools than me. So I’ve always kind of had that edge to play with like my hair is on fire, and that’s probably not gonna change ever.”

Caleb Durbin has been counted out, overlooked, and passed over time and time again in his professional career, but he’ll get a shot to prove he’s more than a fun story in Spring Training and impress the Yankees’ brass.