Boston Red Sox
Durbin has consulted with Richard Schenck dating back to 2025.
Caleb Durbin has sought outside help since joining the Red Sox this year. AP Photo/Chris O’Meara
It’s no secret that Boston Red Sox hitters have sought help outside the organization this year.
Catcher Carlos Narvaez worked with him Gradom Geswing In Waltham at the start of the season as well as third baseman Caleb Durbin.
Both hitters had a major slump in 2026, but Durbin was one of the worst hitters in all of MLB to start the year.
Durbin, Boston’s third baseman, has improved recently at the plate. Across nine games in June, he slashed .333/.357/.630 with a .795 OPS and two home runs (both coming against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 10). In March, April and May combined, he slashed .220/.250/.280 with a .530 OPS and one home run (outside the bullpen).
Gradom may have helped improve Durbin, but he sought help from another individual: New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge’s personal hitting coach, Richard Schenk.
Schenk, who works with several other hitters across all talent levels, shared videos of Durbin’s progress on social media. The guide focused on eliminating the movement of the player’s head during the swing, which in turn changed the way his torso and legs moved.
A series of videos and details about the work Durbin did with Schenck can be found within this X post:
Durbin has been seeing Schenck dating back to last season when he played for the Milwaukee Brewers, according to Schenck’s X account.
This video is dated April 18, 2025:
In a series of posts by Schenk, he said Boston’s chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, “needs him” to transform the organization’s hitting philosophy based on Durbin’s mechanics to start the year.
“Mr. Breslow. Call me,” he wrote, and provided a phone number. “You need me.”
“Mr. Breslow… this exercise has worked well for many,” Schenk added. “And teaching your current bat/exit speed blocks the critical element that these drills create.
“Call me. This could save your job.”
Driveline Baseball, a data-driven player development organization used by the Red Sox, has faced scrutiny as several Boston hitters have struggled offensively in recent memory.
Directly or indirectly, the Red Sox’s organizational approach to hitting hasn’t always led to success, leaving players like Durbin looking for help outside of Boston.
Seeking outside advice is not uncommon these days. After all, Schenk personally coaches Judge: a seven-time All-Star, five-time Slugger, three-time MVP, and 2025 MLB batting champion.
But for a player like Durbin who did a complete 180 at the plate once he started asking for help outside the organization, it raises eyebrows at the Red Sox’ coaching strategy.
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