The injury bug has been the Boston Red Sox's worst enemy as the 2025 MLB season nears June. The Red Sox have dealt with notable injuries across their lineup, with the most recent being third baseman Alex Bregman's quad injury that could see him miss significant time.
Even though all signs point to Bregman eventually returning, first baseman Triston Casas is one name who likely won't play for the Red Sox again this season. The 25-year-old slugger suffered a season-ending knee injury at the start of May and likely won't return to the field until sometime during the 2026 campaign.
The Red Sox have spent the last three weeks trying to find a suitable 1B replacement, whether it's testing Kristian Campbell out at first or acquiring minor-league infielder Ryan Noda from the Los Angeles Angels. It's a fluid situation that's still developing, to say the least.
Red Sox Reportedly Rejected Chance to Reunite With 1B Bobby Dalbec
Red Sox fans and experts have floated around other potential names to take over at 1B, including former Boston slugger Bobby Dalbec. The ex-2016 fourth-rounder was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox at the beginning of the month, leaving fans to wonder if the Red Sox would be interested in a reunion.
Dalbec elected for free agency shortly after being DFA'd, leading to his signing with the Milwaukee Brewers on May 10. Interestingly enough, it turns out the Red Sox shot down a chance to reunite with the 29-year-old 1B before he moved to America's Dairyland.
"Prior to designating Bobby Dalbec for assignment... the White Sox checked in with the Red Sox to see if they had any interest in their former corner infielder," MassLive's Sean McAdam revealed on Sunday. "They did not."
Dalbec, 29, was drafted by the Red Sox nearly a decade ago before making his MLB debut in 2020. The ex-Arizona Wildcats infielder went on to play 331 games (946 at-bats) in a Boston jersey, slashing .222/.290/.425 with 47 home runs, 142 RBIs, 79 walks, and 384 strikeouts along the way.
Although he showed promise at times, Dalbec's 2024 performance was the straw that broke the camel's back in Boston. The Red Sox DFA'd the Seattle, WA native in September after recording only one homer, eight RBIs, and a .133/.217/.193 slash line in 37 games (83 ABs), opening the door to his signing with the White Sox a few months later.
As enticing as a reunion may have looked on paper, given the club's 1B woes, the Red Sox made the right choice not to bring Dalbec back. He's struggled with Triple-A Nashville since his trade to the Brewers organization, slashing .190/.244/.286 with one homer, seven RBIs, and 17 strikeouts in 42 ABs.
Interestingly enough, the Red Sox will start a three-game series against the Brewers on Monday. Much to Dalbec's dismay, though, his chances of being called up to face his former team are slim to none based on how his 2025 campaign is unfolding.