Caleb Durbin – Milwaukee Brewers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Caleb Durbin has made a name for himself in pro baseball pretty quickly after the Atlanta Braves picked him in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Born on February 22, 2000, in Lake Forest, Illinois, this young infielder has bounced around the minors, showing off his versatility before finally reaching the majors. Right now, Durbin’s playing for the Milwaukee Brewers on a one-year contract worth $760,000. It’s his first major league deal—quite a jump from the $50,000 he got as a draft pick.

Durbin’s path to the majors stands out, since he came from Division III Washington University in St. Louis—a route you don’t see many MLB prospects take. He spent a year with the Braves, then got traded to the Yankees, and eventually landed with the Brewers. The fact that multiple organizations wanted him says a lot about how people in baseball view his skills, especially considering his low-profile college background.

Early Life and Background

Caleb Durbin grew up in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he played all sorts of sports before zeroing in on baseball. That Midwestern upbringing? You can see it in his work ethic and grit.

Family and Hometown

Caleb Durbin was born on February 22, 2000, in Lake Forest, Illinois. Growing up in this Chicago suburb, he soaked up a community vibe that really valued sports and competition. There’s not much out there about his family, but it’s clear his hometown played a big role in shaping his athletic side.

Lake Forest gave him access to solid youth sports programs, and those early days definitely helped him build the foundation for his future in baseball. You get the sense that the classic Midwest values—hard work, sticking with it—helped shape his approach to sports.

Youth Baseball Experience

From a young age, Durbin looked like an all-around athlete. Besides baseball, he wrestled for four years and played football for a year at Lake Forest High School. All that cross-training probably helped his balance, coordination, and competitive edge.

On the baseball side, Durbin started turning heads as an infielder during high school. Lake Forest High gave him the chance to develop the core skills that would carry him into his pro career.

After high school, he kept grinding away at baseball in college, sharpening his game before eventually going pro. Looking back, those early years set the stage for everything that came after.

Amateur and Collegiate Career

Durbin’s baseball foundation really took shape during his high school days and at Washington University in St. Louis. He kept getting better as an infielder during these years.

High School Achievements

Durbin went to Lake Forest High School in Illinois, where he quickly became one of the standout players. He played mostly as a middle infielder, showing off slick fielding and a steady bat.

As a junior and senior, he picked up All-Conference honors for his strong play. College scouts noticed his quick hands and range at shortstop. He kept his batting average above .300 through high school and showed some speed on the bases.

He also took care of business in the classroom, which made him even more appealing to college coaches. That mix of brains and athleticism is pretty rare.

College Performance and Recognition

At Washington University in St. Louis, Durbin blossomed into a top-tier Division III player. He put up impressive stats and picked up plenty of recognition for his all-around game.

With the Washington University Bears, Durbin hit well and often led the team in batting average, on-base percentage, and stolen bases. His quick hands and patience at the plate made him tough for pitchers to handle.

Defensively, he kept shining as a flexible infielder. Coaches around the conference noticed his glove work. By his junior year, he was one of the best players in Division III.

The Braves took notice and drafted Durbin in the 14th round (427th overall) of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft, kicking off his pro career.

Professional Journey

Caleb Durbin’s road to the big leagues is the classic minor league grind—college standout to pro prospect, with a lot of hard work in between.

Draft and Entry into Professional Baseball

The Atlanta Braves picked Durbin in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, making him the 427th overall selection. He came in after a strong college run at Washington University in St. Louis.

Born in Lake Forest, Illinois, Durbin brought his infield skills to the Braves’ system. He had to adjust quickly to the grind of minor league ball, which is no joke compared to college.

The Braves liked his versatility and defense, so they put him right into their development pipeline to polish his skills.

Minor League Progression

Durbin’s career took a turn when the Yankees traded for him. He kept working his way up their minor league ladder, eventually landing with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees’ Triple-A club.

That Triple-A stint was big for him—he got to face tougher pitchers and fine-tune his approach at the plate. Then came another twist: the Milwaukee Brewers signed him to a one-year, $760,000 contract.

With the Brewers, Durbin has been carving out a role as a utility infielder, showing off his defensive flexibility and baseball smarts that helped him move through several organizations.

MLB Career and Yankees Involvement

Durbin’s time with the Yankees marked a turning point, giving him a real shot at the majors. His run with New York was a key phase in his development.

Signing and Initial Role with Yankees

When the Yankees brought Durbin into their minor league system, he made an impression right away with his versatility and speed. He played shortstop, second, and third base, showing he could handle pretty much any infield spot.

He stole 31 bases in 105 games one season, which is no small feat. At just 5’7″ and 183 pounds, he made up for his size with quickness and sharp defense.

The Yankees liked what they saw, and by November 2024, they added him to the big league roster from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. That move meant they believed he was ready for the next step.

Major League Debut and Performance

Durbin’s stint with the Yankees ended in December when they traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers. He was part of the deal for reliever Devin Williams, which says a lot about how other teams valued him.

The trade actually sped up Durbin’s journey to the majors. With the Brewers, he finally got his MLB debut in April 2025—a huge milestone after years of grinding in the minors.

Once he joined Milwaukee, Durbin signed his first major league contract for $760,000, all guaranteed. That deal gave him some financial breathing room as he made the leap to MLB.

Contract Details and Business Aspects

Durbin’s pro career has come with a fair share of contracts and team changes. His current deal, future free agency, and trade history all shed light on how teams see his value.

Current Contract Structure

Durbin is playing on a 1-year, $760,000 contract with the Brewers. The whole amount is guaranteed, and it lines up with what you’d expect for a rookie in his spot.

The Brewers have managed their payroll carefully, and Durbin’s contract fits right in. Their projected 40-man payroll for 2025 is $108 million, down from $125.6 million in 2024.

As a young player still finding his footing, Durbin’s contract reflects his status as a guy with upside rather than a proven star.

Free Agency Timeline

Durbin’s road to free agency follows the usual MLB service time rules. He’s still a few years away from hitting free agency; most players need six full years in the majors before they can test the market.

The Brewers keep control of his rights for a while, including those pre-arbitration years when salaries are near the league minimum, and then arbitration, where his pay could jump if he performs.

For Milwaukee, that makes Durbin a cost-effective piece—someone who can grow into a bigger role without breaking the bank.

Trades and Transactions

The biggest move so far in Durbin’s career was his trade from the Yankees to the Brewers. The Yankees added him to their big league roster from Triple-A, then included him in the package that sent him to Milwaukee.

Baseball writers called him a potential sleeper in the Yankees-Brewers trade, pointing to his contact skills and sharp eye at the plate.

Durbin debuted for the Brewers in April 2025, becoming the first former Fond du Lac Dock Spiders player to suit up for Milwaukee. That’s a cool milestone for both him and the Dock Spiders.

Net Worth and Earnings

Caleb Durbin’s financial situation has changed a lot since he turned pro, especially after landing his major league contract with the Brewers. His income now comes from his MLB salary, possible bonuses, and maybe some off-field opportunities too.

Salary and Bonuses

Caleb Durbin’s biggest income stream comes straight from his MLB contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. He signed a 1-year deal worth $760,000 for the 2025 season—his first major league contract after getting called up to the majors on April 18, 2025.

Before that jump, Durbin played in the minor leagues, where salaries usually sit between $12,000 and $16,000 per season at the lower levels. As a 14th-round pick (427th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2021, he probably got a pretty modest signing bonus compared to guys drafted earlier.

He could boost his pay with performance incentives if he hits certain stats or milestones during the year.

Endorsements and Business Ventures

Since Durbin just reached the majors, his endorsement deals haven’t really taken off yet. Most rookies start out with small local sponsorships or deals with baseball equipment brands.

Milwaukee offers some local sponsorship opportunities, especially if Durbin becomes a fan favorite. His college days at Washington University in St. Louis might help him build business connections too.

A lot of MLB players eventually get into real estate or launch their own foundations, but for now, Durbin seems to be focused on making his mark in the majors before diving into business ventures.

Financial Growth Over Career

At 25 and just starting out in MLB, Durbin’s financial future looks pretty bright. Baseball salaries tend to jump after a player finishes those first few years of team control.

If he keeps performing, Durbin could land a big raise once he’s eligible for arbitration—usually after about three years in the big leagues. The league minimum salary keeps climbing under the current collective bargaining agreement, so young players like him have a decent safety net.

Most financial advisors urge new MLB players to keep things simple: conservative investments, learn the basics about money, and avoid risky moves early on. Durbin’s net worth isn’t public—Yahoo Finance doesn’t list it—but with his recent promotion, it probably sits somewhere in the low-to-mid six figures.

Notable Skills and Playing Style

Caleb Durbin brings a versatile game and has proven himself valuable in more ways than one. He’s not the biggest guy on the field, but he makes up for it with athleticism and sharp instincts, which helped him climb the minor league ladder faster than most.

Defensive Abilities and Utility

Durbin’s defensive versatility really stands out. He came up mostly as a second baseman, but he’s shown he can handle multiple infield spots. With quick hands and solid footwork, he makes tough plays look easier than they should.

His baseball IQ sets him apart from other utility guys. He reads the game well, positioning himself based on the pitch and the hitter’s tendencies. That anticipation helps him make up for any physical limitations.

His arm isn’t the strongest around, but it’s accurate, and coaches love how rarely he makes mental mistakes. He’s someone you can trust in tight defensive spots all over the infield.

Offensive Performance and Efficiency

Durbin sticks to a contact-first approach at the plate. His swing is compact, letting him put the ball in play and avoid strikeouts. He’s managed solid batting averages throughout his time in the minors.

He’s not a power hitter, but he works counts, draws walks, and focuses on getting on base. That’s his bread and butter—moving runners, hitting in key spots, and doing the little things that help his team.

Since joining the Milwaukee Brewers, Durbin’s been working with hitting coaches to fine-tune his approach and keep his on-base percentage up. He’s not a home run threat, but he’s the kind of guy who quietly adds value to the lineup.

Speed and Athleticism

Durbin’s speed is one of his biggest weapons. It shows up everywhere—on defense and especially on the bases. He’s got a knack for taking extra bases and making life tough for opposing defenses.

He’s smart about stealing bases, too. Durbin watches pitchers, picks up on their habits, and times his jumps well, which is why his stolen base numbers look so good. That kind of baserunning can be a game-changer, especially in close contests.

On defense, his athleticism lets him cover a lot of ground at second base. He reacts quickly charging bunts or moving laterally, and his first step is explosive—especially noticeable when he’s turning double plays.

Influential Teammates and Comparisons

Durbin’s growth as a player has a lot to do with the veterans and peers he’s met along the way. His adaptability and versatility have really shaped his path.

Interactions with Yankees Players

While he was in the Yankees system, Durbin spent time around established big leaguers. He trained with Gleyber Torres during spring training, picking up tips on middle infield defense.

He paid close attention to DJ LeMahieu’s routines and versatility, using them as a guide for his own development. Durbin has even mentioned studying how LeMahieu positions himself and prepares for games.

Aaron Judge dropped by the minor league facilities and talked with prospects like Durbin, stressing the importance of a steady approach at any level. That kind of mentorship helped him mature quickly as a pro.

He also looked at Jose Trevino’s career, seeing how a defensive-first player can turn into a more complete contributor.

Comparisons with League Peers

People often compare Durbin to other versatile infielders in the league. His defensive flexibility and improving bat remind some scouts of early-career Tommy Kahnle, though Durbin makes more contact.

Jazz Chisholm is probably the high-end comparison for athletic middle infielders, but Durbin’s game is more about control and less about raw power. His 5 stolen bases in just 18 games with the Rivets show his instincts on the bases.

Inside the Brewers organization, he and Joey Ortiz have a friendly competition going for time at second base. Their rivalry has pushed both to get better, and both are in the mix for starting jobs in the Brewers’ future plans.

Matt Shaw’s quick rise through the minors offers another interesting comparison—both bring a lot of versatility to their teams.

Major Highlights and Accolades

Even though he’s new to the majors, Caleb Durbin’s already picked up some impressive achievements. His speed and ability to play multiple positions have become trademarks of his style.

Career Milestones

Durbin got his big break when the Atlanta Braves drafted him in 2021 in the 14th round, 427th overall. He’d just finished a standout college career at Washington University in St. Louis.

He made a quick impact after joining the Brewers organization, showing off his defensive skills and making things happen on the bases. Signing that $760,000 contract with Milwaukee marked a big moment for him financially.

Analysts keep pointing out his speed and aggressive baserunning—those skills fit perfectly with how teams play the game today.

World Series Participation

As of April 2025, Durbin hasn’t played in a World Series yet. The Brewers are still building toward that level, and Durbin is one of the young pieces who might help them get there.

His development suggests he could become a key part of a postseason run down the line. With his flexibility in the infield, he’d be a real asset in those high-pressure playoff moments.

Caleb Durbin in the MLB Community

Since turning pro, Durbin’s started to carve out a place for himself both on and off the diamond. Coming from Division III college baseball to the majors, he’s become a bit of an underdog story in the baseball world.

Media Coverage and Partnerships

Durbin’s profile has grown since he debuted with the Brewers in 2023. Fans and local media have gravitated toward his journey from Washington University in St. Louis—a D-III school—to MLB. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who loves a good long shot.

He’s teamed up with a few local Milwaukee businesses for appearances, but those partnerships are still in the early stages. His social media following is growing, though he’s not as visible online as some veteran players.

Philanthropy and Off-Field Contributions

Durbin’s just getting started with his off-field contributions. He’s joined in on the Brewers’ community outreach programs and helped out at youth baseball clinics around Milwaukee.

His past as a Fond du Lac Dock Spider keeps him connected to Wisconsin’s baseball roots. He’s even gone back to visit the Northwoods League team that helped him develop, hoping to inspire young players.

He’s interested in supporting educational causes, probably because of his own experience as a student-athlete. He hasn’t started his own foundation yet, but he’s already showing he wants to give back by being active in team-run community events.

Durbin also shows up at Brewers fan events and has built a reputation for being approachable and down-to-earth.

Relationship with Other Teams

Caleb Durbin’s career has already taken him through several MLB organizations, creating interesting matchups and some trade chatter along the way before he landed with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Games Against Key Opponents

Durbin has tangled with some tough competition as he worked his way up through the minors. He really stood out against the Philadelphia Phillies’ farm teams—his baserunning gave their defenses all kinds of headaches.

When he played the Blue Jays’ affiliates, Durbin bounced around the infield, showing off how easily he can handle different spots. That flexibility definitely caught the Brewers’ attention later on.

The Red Sox organization got a front-row seat to Durbin’s speed during interleague games. He messed with pitchers’ timing, created chaos on the basepaths, and made life difficult for Boston’s young arms.

Victor Scott, who also came up with the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders and now plays for the Cardinals, has had some pretty memorable battles with Durbin too.

Rumors and Trade Speculation

Durbin ended up with the Brewers after a pretty big trade with the Yankees. Milwaukee picked up both him and pitcher Nestor Cortes in exchange for Devin Williams, which says a lot about how much they believe in Durbin’s upside.

Before his time with the Yankees, some folks around the league said the Blue Jays wanted Durbin for his speed and glove. Toronto tried, but New York got in there first.

The Red Sox also kept tabs on Durbin. They needed more infield depth and a bit of spark on the bases—right in Durbin’s wheelhouse—but nothing ever came together.

Honestly, Durbin just seems to fit in Milwaukee. One analyst even said, “[Durbin] fits here on this team better than every other team in baseball” which feels about right. His style matches what the Brewers like to do.