Trending Now - Red Sox yet to Name Opening Day Third Baseman, Praise Durbin

WHO:

Alex Cora, manager of the Boston Red Sox

Caleb Durbin, player acquired by the Red Sox

Marcelo Mayer, player competing for a position

Willson Contreras, offseason acquisition for the Red Sox

Aroldis Chapman, projected reliever for the Red Sox

Garrett Whitlock, projected reliever for the Red Sox

Justin Slaten, projected reliever for the Red Sox

Greg Weissert, projected reliever for the Red Sox

Zack Kelly, projected reliever for the Red Sox

Jovani Moran, projected reliever for the Red Sox

Roman Anthony, player for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic

Wilyer Abreu, player for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic

Masataka Yoshida, player for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic

Jarren Duran, player for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic

Brayan Bello, player for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic

WHAT:

Cora stated he feels "very comfortable" with Durbin at third base.

Durbin started 119 games at third base last season and 150 games at second base over five seasons in the Minors.

Durbin hit .256 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs last season.

Cora mentioned that the Red Sox are aiming for improved infield defense this season.

Roman Anthony hit a three-run homer for Team USA against Mexico.

Jarren Duran made two homers and an assist in the same game for Team USA.

Brayan Bello pitched five innings, allowing one run and one hit with seven strikeouts for Team Dominican Republic.

WHERE:

Fort Myers, Florida, where the Red Sox spring training camp is located.

Cincinnati, where the Red Sox will play Opening Day on March 26th, 2026.

Houston and Miami, locations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic pools.

WHEN:

March 26th, 2026, is the date for Opening Day.

Cora indicated a decision on Durbin's position would be made "next week" from the time of the articles.

The Red Sox acquired Durbin in February 2026, one day before spring training camp opened.

WHY:

The Red Sox have a vacancy at third base after Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs.

Cora wants Durbin to play one position to avoid moving him during the season.

HOW:

Cora is evaluating Durbin's performance during spring training games and drills to determine his position.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 21:08 UTC)

In Fort Myers, Florida, Red Sox manager Alex Cora expressed confidence in new acquisition Caleb Durbin, who is being considered for the third base position after the team lost Alex Bregman to the Cubs. Durbin, who started 119 games at third base last season and hit .256 with 11 home runs, is being closely evaluated during spring training, with a decision expected next week. Meanwhile, Team USA's Roman Anthony and Jarren Duran shined in their game against Mexico, with Anthony hitting a three-run homer and Duran contributing two homers and an assist, while Brayan Bello pitched five strong innings for Team Dominican Republic.