Current New York Yankees affiliate and LFHS alum Caleb Durbin was called up to the Yankees 40-man roster this MLB offseason after two impressive years in the Yankees’ minor league organization. 

Durbin graduated from LFHS in 2018 before playing three years of baseball at Washington University. Following his collegiate career, Durbin was drafted by the Atlanta Braves organization in 2021 in the 14th round of the MLB Draft. Across his first two years in the minor leagues, Durbin climbed the ranks of professional baseball where he played Rookie Ball, Single-A, and eventually High-A. 

Before the 2023 season began, Durbin was traded to the Yankees organization. He spent most of the year in Double-A playing for the Somerset Patriots, but finished the season in High-A due to a series of injuries. In other words,

Because of his quick success in the Minor Leagues, Durbin was invited to play in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) for the Mesa Solar Sox. After his first year in the Fall League, Durbin was named an AFL Rising Star (per milb.com).

While it was impressive how quickly Durbin ascended through the leagues in just three years, his most exciting season was his most recent. The Yankees saw the success Durbin had throughout 2023 and decided to call him up to their Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders. 

Just one step away from the Major Leagues, Durbin had impressive numbers and notable milestones in the 2024 season. Throughout his time with the Railriders, Durbin posted a .275 BA, an .839 OPS, and a .388 OBP. 

While Durbin had a fantastic spring and summer season, he really stood out in the fall season. After a great season in the AFL in 2023, Durbin continued to build on his success in 2024. This time, Durbin signed to play with the Salt River Rafters. In just 24 games with the Rafters, Durbin had a remarkable season. 

Durbin hit for a .312 BA, a .976 OPS, and a .427 OBP. Those stats alone were worthy enough to get Durbin signed to the 40-man roster, but his long list of accolades from the 2024 AFL made it an easy decision for the Yankees. 

Durbin was named an AFL Fall Star along with also being named the AFL Breakout Prospect of the Year. On top of that, Durbin really impressed by setting the AFL’s single-season stolen base record (29). 

As a result of his consistent improvement and spectacular 2024 season, Durbin was called up to the Yankees’ 40-man roster to protect him from being drafted in the Rule 5 Draft. While it was essential that the Yankees further sign Durbin to prevent other teams from stealing their star, their decision might be more than just protection. It appears the Yankees’ management might have intentions for Durbin getting time in the Majors next year.

“I think he’s a stud, frankly. Great bat-to-ball, elite ability on the bases as a base-stealer, good defender in the middle of the diamond at second base. He’s really started over the last year-plus to create some position flexibility,” said Yankees Manager Aaron Boone (per milb.com). “He’s played some short, he’s played some third. We introduced him to some outfield this year, all with the mind that this guy is going to be a big-league player…I think he’s going to play a big role for us this upcoming season.”