Alex Anthopoulos has a great track record for winning most trades he's involved in. All you have to do is look around the roster and see studs like Pierce Johnson, Matt Olson, and Chris Sale who were acquired for minimal prospect cost to see how well Anthopoulos has made out in these trades. However, one trade that was thought to be marginal at the time is developing into one of Alex Anthopoulos' biggest misses.
Back on December 28, 2022 Anthopoulos traded for an additional lefty in the bullpen in the form of Lucas Luetge from the Yankees. At the time the package sent to New York felt inconsequential, but as time has gone on that has proven to be incorrect. Luetge was acquired from New York for RHP Indigo Diaz and current Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin.
Caleb Durbin drives in a pair! #NLDS pic.twitter.com/MGKvLyXays
— MLB (@MLB) October 4, 2025
Lucas Luetge for Caleb Durbin trade remains one of Anthopoulos' biggest misses with the Braves
The crafty left-handed pitcher had a solid 2022 with the Yankees, but Luetge's run with Atlanta was lackluster to say the least. Luetge appeared in 12 games with Atlanta in 2023, and finished with a 7.24 ERA, 4.86 FIP, and -0.3 bWAR before his eventual DFA. Luetge hasn't appeared in a big league game since he was let go by the Braves.
Meanwhile, Durbin (a 14th round pick by the Braves in the 2021 draft) began to skyrocket his prospect status with New York before he eventually became the centerpiece of the Devin Williams trade this past December. The Brewers racked up the most wins in baseball in 2025, and rookies like Durbin had a big role in their success. Because of Durbin's short stature (listed at 5'7) he was viewed to have a relatively low ceiling.
However, Durbin's lack of power has not prevented him from becoming a productive player in Milwaukee. Durbin played all over the infield for the Brewers, and played in 136 games this season. His 101 OPS+ and 2.9 bWAR should earn him some down the ballot NL Rookie of the Year votes. He's just the kind of player you want to have on your roster, even if it's not in a starting role. Durbin can field, play multiple positions, and run the bases well. All things the Braves could use on their bench.
Because they traded Durbin away, Atlanta's best hope is that someone like Nacho Alvarez Jr. can develop into the player Durbin has become. Regardless, Atlanta's questionable future at the middle infield positions makes the Caleb Durbin trade one of Anthopoulos' hardest trades to swallow.