Bleacher Report Just Revealed Its 'Biggest X-Factor' For Red Sox In 2026

Bleacher Report Just Revealed Its 'Biggest X-Factor' For Red Sox In 2026 originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller identified each MLB team's "X-factor" on Saturday, and when it came to the Boston Red Sox, Miller pointed at new acquisition Caleb Durbin, whom Miller predicts will be Boston's starting third baseman when Opening Day arrives on March 26.

"Second base is also a sizable question mark, but Boston has options there," Miller wrote. "It could be Marcelo Mayer. It might be Kristian Campbell. If both flounder, they could even bring Ceddanne Rafaela in from center and make more room for their four-man outfield."

"But if Durbin struggles at the hot corner after Boston lost Alex Bregman and whiffed on (or didn't even swing at) the many options in free agency, fingers crossed on Nate Eaton or Isiah Kiner-Falefa?" Miller wondered aloud. "Third base may well be their Achilles' heel."

Durbin put together a productive rookie season in 2025 with the Milwaukee Brewers. The third baseman suited up for 136 games, batting .256 across 445 at-bats with 11 home runs, 53 RBI, 18 stolen bases, and 60 runs scored. He added 30 walks for a .334 on-base percentage and finished at .721 OPS, good enough for third place in National League Rookie of the Year voting.

Traded to the Red Sox in February, Durbin has opened 2026 spring training on a strong note. Through six games and 14 at-bats, the 26-year-old is batting .357 with five hits, including two doubles. He has driven in five runs, stolen one base, and walked twice while striking out just once. Those numbers translate to a .438 on-base percentage, .500 slugging percentage, and .938 OPS.

The infielder continues to blend contact skills and baserunning ability in his new uniform as he prepares for the regular season.

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