Why Caleb Durbin is the Yankees’ most crucial prospect to protect in the Rule 5 draft

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The New York Yankees are facing a pivotal decision ahead of the Rule 5 draft: which prospects to protect on their 40-man roster to avoid losing them to other teams. Among the eligible players, Caleb Durbin has emerged as a must-protect talent, given his unique skill set and potential impact on the major league roster.

Why Caleb Durbin stands out

Caleb Durbin is a 24-year-old utility player whose 2024 season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre showcased his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. Durbin posted a strong .839 OPS, stole 31 bases in just 90 games, and displayed elite plate discipline with 53 walks against only 40 strikeouts.

His versatility in the field is just as impressive. Durbin has primarily played second and third base but has also seen time in the outfield. This defensive flexibility makes him an ideal fit for a Yankees roster that values adaptability and depth. With Gleyber Torres’ future uncertain and the potential for positional shifts involving Jazz Chisholm Jr., Durbin’s ability to plug multiple gaps adds even more value.

The Yankees’ Urgent Need to Protect Durbin

The Yankees have a history of losing key talent in the Rule 5 draft, including Garrett Whitlock (Red Sox) and Trevor Stephan (Guardians). Given their system’s depth, leaving Durbin unprotected would likely make him an attractive option for other teams. His speed, contact-hitting ability, and defensive range align perfectly with what many clubs seek in a bench or platoon player.

Manager Aaron Boone has already highlighted Durbin’s potential, calling him a “stud” and predicting he will play a “big role” for the Yankees in 2025. Such endorsements underscore the importance of adding Durbin to the 40-man roster to ensure he remains a part of the Yankees’ future.

Durbin’s Role in the Yankees’ Future

With Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and other veterans anchoring the roster, the Yankees are increasingly looking to younger players to provide energy and production. Durbin’s disciplined approach at the plate and ability to impact the game with his speed make him a natural fit in a lineup that values on-base ability and aggressive baserunning.

Additionally, the Yankees lack a clear succession plan at second base, with Torres’ contract nearing its end. Durbin’s potential to step into that role—or serve as a super-utility player—gives the Yankees much-needed flexibility. His ability to produce both offensively and defensively could make him a key piece as the team transitions to a younger core.

As the Yankees finalize their Rule 5 draft decisions, protecting Caleb Durbin should be a top priority. His combination of offensive skills, defensive versatility, and major league readiness makes him too valuable to risk losing. For Yankees fans and MLB watchers, Durbin’s development could become one of the most exciting storylines of the 2025 season.

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