The Boston Red Sox are experiencing an up-and-down start to the 2025 MLB season, boasting a 12-11 record through the first 23 games. The baseball season is long, though, meaning it never hurts to take a break from the Red Sox's current situation to check in on what some of the club's former players are up to.
As it turns out, a recently failed Red Sox player is on his way back to the Majors. The only question is, will his latest big-league run be more successful than the last?
Former Red Sox IF Bobby Dalbec Selected by White Sox on Monday
A day after their series finale with the Red Sox, the Chicago White Sox announced that they have selected former Boston infielder Bobby Dalbec's contract for a promotion. The former 2016 Red Sox fourth-round pick began the 2025 campaign with Triple-A Charlotte after failing to impress in spring training.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 21, 2025
Red Sox fans will remember Dalbec from his rollercoaster ride of a run with the organization. The former Arizona Wildcat looked like he was going to be a solid supporting contributor of Boston's future early on in his MLB career, racking up 45 home runs, 133 RBIs, 67 walks, and a .456 slugging percentage in his first three seasons (273 games, 814 at-bats).
Unfortunately, Dalbec's production and efficiency fell off a cliff after that. Suiting up in just 58 games (132 ABs) across the last two seasons, the Seattle, WA native only mustered two HRs, nine RBIs, 12 walks, and a putrid .159/.234/.235 slash line. His lackluster output was a big reason why the Red Sox didn't try to re-sign him when he elected for free agency in November.
Having said that, Dalbec's strong performance with the Charlotte Knights has made him more than deserving of a call-up.
The 29-year-old IF has turned back the clock with the White Sox's Triple-A affiliate, slashing .326/.354/.696 as he's cranked out four HRs, 13 RBIs, and a pair of walks in his first 12 games (46 ABs). Maintaining that success could see Chicago keeping Dalbec around as the designated hitter, especially with Nick Maton struggling at the plate this season.
The Red Sox have already played both of this season's series against the White Sox, meaning Boston fans won't get a chance to be reunited with Dalbec in 2025. A reunion will have to wait until 2026, in that case, but it remains to be seen if he'll still be in the Majors by then.