Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin has been named a finalist for the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year Award. The 25-year-old infielder reflected on his strong debut season with confidence, regardless of the final voting outcome. He joins Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin and Chicago Cubs right-hander Cade Horton as the top three candidates.
Caleb Durbin viewed his 2025 rookie season as a success, even before the National League Rookie of the Year results were announced on Monday night. Acquired by the Brewers in a December 2024 trade that sent All-Star closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees, Durbin arrived alongside left-hander Nestor Cortes. The Brewers, already strong at middle infield with Brice Turang and Joey Ortiz, targeted Durbin for third base, prompting him to focus on defense during Spring Training.
Durbin did not make the Opening Day roster, with Oliver Dunn and Vinny Capra starting at third. He was called up from Triple-A Nashville on April 18 and delivered two hits in a victory over the Oakland Athletics that night—a debut longtime Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta called the most exciting he had witnessed. Over the season, Durbin hit .256/.334/.387 with 11 home runs and 60 RBIs, stabilizing the hot corner for a defense-oriented team.
Among NL rookies, he led in stolen bases with 18, ranked second in runs scored (60), third in hits (114) and doubles (25), fourth in home runs (11), total bases (172) and RBIs (tied at 53), and fifth in extra-base hits (36). Durbin also led the entire NL in hit-by-pitches with 24, just one short of the Brewers' franchise record.
He learned of his finalist status via an MLB Instagram tag, an honor he did not anticipate, especially with strong rookie performances on his own team from Isaac Collins in left field, Chad Patrick among pitchers, and Jacob Misiorowski, who made the NL All-Star team before fading in the second half.
Durbin underwent arthroscopic surgery on October 30 for a bone spur in his right elbow, which caused discomfort late in the season. He expects a full recovery for 2026, viewing the year as a learning experience. "There’s a sense of confidence," Durbin said. "It’s like, I know I can do it." He added, "Going into next year, it helps, because I’ve learned from experience and I can adjust accordingly."
The Brewers reached the postseason, though Durbin noted the team felt they had more to give. Past Brewers Rookie of the Year winners include Pat Listach (1992), Ryan Braun (2007) and Devin Williams (2020).