A potential Red Sox first base option opened for Boston on Sunday.
The Chicago White Sox made multiple moves before their series finale against the Houston Astros. One of them included designating infielder Bobby Dalbec for assignment. Dalbec isn’t a shoo-in to stick around with Chicago, which leaves an opportunity for the Red Sox.
Boston recalled Abraham Toro after placing Triston Casas on the injured list due to a left patellar tendon rupture. Romy González assumed first base duties after it was confirmed Casas would miss the rest of the season. Manager Alex Cora was comfortable with Toro and González at first base. However, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow left the club’s options open.
Dalbec should at least be considered, especially due to the lack of enticing external options.
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The 29-year-old had an impressive 2021 season with the Red Sox when he hit 25 home runs, but his production slipped in his final three seasons in Boston. Dalbec primarily spent stints in Triple-A Worcester, where he excelled and showed the potential of what he could bring to the big leagues. However, he was never able to sustain the power he displayed in Triple-A and signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox last offseason.
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Dalbec isn’t likely to light the world on fire, but he’s a serviceable option. González isn’t really a traditional first baseman and mostly served as a utility man in his Red Sox career, which was ironically what Boston tried to do with Dalbec. Toro also is a utility infielder who doesn’t have much experience at first base. Dalbec arguably would be an upgrade over Toro.
One hurdle Boston could come across if it tries to pursue Dalbec is how committed it would be to the veteran. Dalbec likely doesn’t want to spend too much time in the minors, and likely would want some assurances he’d get a chance in the big leagues.
However, Dalbec would be a solid option if the Red Sox choose to pursue him, and it would serve as a full circle moment for Dalbec to (temporarily) replace Casas like the 25-year-old did in 2022.
