Bobby Dalbec Has Proven He Belongs in the Majors

The Red Sox may be out of contention, but they’re still giving fans a reason to pay attention this week. Barbie Night at “Kenway” Park on Friday is going to be awesome, and the team recently promoted fan favorite Bobby Dalbec from Triple-A as well.

It’s taken Dalbec a few years, but he’s finally proving he belongs in the big leagues.

Bobby Dalbec Red Sox

It’s been a bumpy ride for Dalbec, who debuted with Boston during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The former fourth-round pick showed a ton of promise that year in a small sample size, slashing .263/.359/.600 with 8 home runs and 16 RBIs in 23 games.

Despite Dalbec’s alarming 42.4% strikeout rate that year, the Red Sox decided to make him their everyday first baseman in 2021. He struggled mightily throughout the first four months of the season before catching fire down the stretch, helping push Boston into the playoffs. He disappeared in the postseason, however, looking overmatched against quality pitching.

Those struggles carried over into 2022, as Dalbec completely fell apart at the plate. He batted just .215/.283/.369 with nearly twice as many strikeouts (118) as hits (68), resulting in a demotion to Triple-A Worcester.

And that’s where Dalbec has spent most of 2023, trying to fix his swing and regain his confidence. Despite absolutely crushing the ball in Worcester, he only appeared in a handful of games for Boston as there simply wasn’t a place for him on the roster.

With the Red Sox playing out the string, they’re finally giving Dalbec another chance, and he’s making the most of it. The 28-year-old slugger has gone 4-for-10 with a pair of doubles and 3 runs scored in his first three games since being recalled, looking much more comfortable in the batter’s box.

While the results haven’t always been there for Dalbec, who have to admire his perseverance and commitment. Many players spiral after blowing their chance in the big leagues, but Dalbec made the most of his time in Triple-A and seems to have learned a lot. He also appreciates being back in the majors and knows how quickly it can be taken away.

With so many corner infielder/DH types on the roster, Boston still doesn’t have an everyday spot for Dalbec in 2024. But another team might, so the Red Sox should explore trading him this offseason, especially if he keeps boosting his trade value like this.

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