When the Milwaukee Brewers traded Rookie of the Year runner-up Caleb Durbin to the Boston
Red Sox for mainly Kyle Harrison, the team was heavily criticized. However, as the 2026 season
has progressed, it has become one of General Manager Matt Arnold’s best moves. Harrison is
pitching like a Cy Young contender and even the “throw-ins,” Shane Drohan and David
Hamilton, have made positive contributions. Meanwhile, Durbin has struggled mightily
offensively. So far this season, the Brewers have overwhelmingly won this trade.
The Milwaukee Brewers have become known around the league for getting the most out of
pitchers. Kyle Harrison is the latest example. This season, the 24-year-old is having a career
year. He’s currently 7-1 with a 1.57 ERA, 73 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.029. Harrison tied his
career high for strikeouts twice, including in his last start. The former top prospect is also just
coming off a scoreless innings streak of 23. During that span, he struck out 31 opposing hitters
compared to just two walks. In what has been a common theme of Craig Breslow’s tenure, the
Red Sox moved on from a pitcher who’s thriving elsewhere.
Probably the biggest surprise for Milwaukee is how productive Shane Drohan has been. Drohan
initially didn’t make the big club out of spring training. However, following an injury to reliever
Jared Koening, the team promoted the 27-year-old to the 26-man roster. Before his call-up, the
former Red Sox minor leaguer had never pitched in the big leagues. However, since being called
up, Drohan has been used as a swingman pitcher and has made the most of his opportunity. In
12 games, including two starts, he’s 2-1 with a 2.87 ERA, 33 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.149.
Given Brayan Bello’s struggles and Garrett Crochet’s injury, the Red Sox could use him in the
rotation right now.
David Hamilton isn’t a game wrecker with his bat. He is only hitting .234 with a home run, nine
RBI, and an OPS of .615. However, where the 28-year-old has done his damage is on the base
paths. So far this season, Hamilton has an above-average on-base percentage of .323, has
stolen 13 bases, and scored 26 runs. He’s also managed to outperform Luis Rengifo, who’s only
slashing .206/.277/.256 with no homers, 15 RBI, and an OPS of just .533. Rengifo was initially
expected to become Milwaukee’s regular third baseman. Given how badly Boston’s offense has
struggled this season, having Hamilton’s speed and his ability to get on base wouldn’t hurt.
When the trade was made official, it initially seemed like the Red Sox got the better of the deal.
On paper, Boston was getting a player who was coming off a promising season and finished
third in Rookie of the Year voting. The Red Sox viewed him as the perfect player for their run
prevention strategy and a suitable replacement for Alex Bregman. However, this move has
blown up in Craig Breslow’s face since Opening Day. Caleb Durbin began the year going 0-18
and has only continued to struggle. Through 53 games, Durbin is only slashing .193/.257/.298
with one home run, 23 RBI, and an OPS of .555. He also has a below-average OPS+ of 58.
By comparison, he finished his rookie campaign slashing .256/.334/.387 with 11 home runs, 53
RBI, and an OPS of .721. He also had an OPS+ of 100. The drop-off in production this season is
very concerning for his long-term offensive output.
Milwaukee Brewers’ General Manager Matt Arnold made arguably the best trade of the
offseason. At the very least, it made the most impact on Milwaukee’s starting rotation and
overall depth. Kyle Harrison is a Cy Young contender and Shane Drohan and David Hamilton
have provided meaningful depth. As for Boston, despite his encouraging rookie year, Caleb
Durbin has been a lineup liability. This is yet another damning mark on Craig Breslow’s already
tumultuous tenure with the Red Sox.
