Brewers Send Out Top Prospect, Trade Addition in Latest Roster Cuts

Brewers demote Tyler Black, Caleb Durbin

The Brewers announced that one of their top infield prospects, Tyler Black, has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville. Black was a Comp A selection in the 2021 MLB Draft and has had high prospect status since, but has failed to earn a regular job on the Brewers roster.

Caleb Durbin was acquired from the Yankees in the Devin Williams trade over the offseason. Durbin was projected to have a semi-regular role at third base this year, but some shaky defensive performances this spring and an inconsistent bat led the Brewers to give Durbin some more development time in the minor leagues. 

It's a disappointing turn of events for Black. He wasn't able to get much run or impress much in limited opportunities in 2024. Then he entered camp as the only 40 man roster option to back up Rhys Hoskins at first base. Then Mark Canha entered the mix and Jake Bauers was back on NRI deals. Black himself was dealing with some back tightness early in camp that didn't help him much.

Manager Pat Murphy has been effusive in his praise for Caleb Durbin, but he acknowledged a week ago that Durbin was not a lock to make the roster, saying "that very well may not happen". Ultimately, the change in defensive position to third, where he looked shaky all spring, played a role in Durbin's demotion.

What this means for the players left in camp is that Jake Bauers appears to be in line to be the backup to Hoskins once again in 2025. He slugged a home run in Saturday's Cactus League contest against the Athletics. Bauers will need a 40 man roster spot, however.

At third base it'll be a combination of Oliver Dunn and Vinny Capra to start the season, likely in a platoon setting. Dunn is a left handed hitter that can face righties will Capra is a right handed hitter that can face lefties. Andruw Monasterio has already been optioned to Triple-A. The Brewers will be hoping for one of those two players to emerge and break out in 2025.