Red Sox Spring Training is well underway and things are looking very positive so far. Masataka Yoshida is shaping up to look like a very good addition to this lineup. Kiké Hernandez is thriving at his new shortstop position. And as always, Rafael Devers is crushing the ball. But there is a player in camp who is doing very well, but not guaranteed a spot. That player is Bobby Dalbec.
In Saturday’s win against the Braves, Bobby Dalbec hit the first home run of the Spring for the Red Sox. This was his second hit of the day after a right field double. He has continued his production in today’s game with a double off the JetBlue Park Green Monster.
The Red Sox have made it clear that Triston Casas is their first baseman in 2023. He showed signs of a lot of potential in his 27 games in 2022. Casas posted a slash line of .358/.408/.766 with five home runs and 19 walks.
Justin Turner will be taking reps at first base this Spring along with being the primary DH. While not full time, he is still expected to be the secondary first baseman after Triston Casas.
Will a Strong Spring Be Enough For Bobby Dalbec?
With the position locked down, it leaves a big question mark over Bobby Dalbec’s head. Obviously he hasn’t performed like the Red Sox have hoped, but we have seen what he is capable of. In the last couple months of 2021, Dalbec was one of the hottest hitters in the league. In that August, he hit seven home runs, had 21 RBI’s, and had a 1.205 OPS for the month. The potential is there, and he is a player who is hungry to prove himself.
We saw Bobby produce this same way last Spring, where he hit .333 with a 1.052 OPS over 36 at bats. The production didn’t follow into the regular season as he then went on to underperform, while even seeing some time in AAA throughout the tailend of the season. His spot on the roster is surely not guaranteed for 2023, even if he continues to produce in Fort Myers.
Dalbec has become a fan favorite in Boston, even given his lack of production last season. But if the Red Sox don’t see a spot for him, will we see him be traded before the season starts? He will have plenty of time to show off his potential this Spring due to half the lineup leaving to play in the World Baseball Classic. If there was ever a time to fight for his spot, it’s now.
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