Bobby Dalbec unable to capitalize on latest opportunity

Bobby Dalbec had the perfect chance to prove himself to the Boston Red Sox.

Dalbec had once been regarded as a building block for the Red Sox, ranked by MLB.com as their top prospect and the 92nd best prospect in baseball ahead of the 2021 season. However, he did not live up to expectations, posting a .227/.290/.432 batting line in 859 plate appearances between 2021 and 2023. Dalbec was passed on the depth chart by first baseman Triston Casas and third baseman Rafael Devers, leaving him as a depth option in Triple-A.

Opportunity knocked once more at the end of April. Casas suffered torn cartilage in his rib cage after fouling off a pitch, an injury that does not have a specific timeframe to heal. The 28-year-old Dalbec had another chance to show he belonged on a major league roster.

The experiment ended quickly. Dalbec's struggles with the bat continued as he posted a .132/.207/.170 batting line in his 59 plate appearances, hitting two doubles while striking out 28 times. The writing was on the wall when the Red Sox acquired Garrett Cooper and signed Dominic Smith after he opted out of his minor league deal with the Rays. Dalbec was optioned back to the minors on Friday, clearing room for Vaughn Grissom to return from the injured list.

The Red Sox are saying the right things. Chris Cotillo from MassLive.com reported that manager Alex Cora told Dalbec to go back to Triple-A and relax. The Red Sox lauded Dalbec's defense at both first and third, saying that his glove won them a few games. Cora also felt that Dalbec was putting too much pressure on himself as he tried to show that he belonged in the majors.

Cora may be right. He has posted a .262/.357/.539 batting line in 681 plate appearances at Triple-A, hitting 46 homers. If he continues to produce in Worcester, he may get another look in the majors. 

The question is whether or not that chance will happen in Boston. Cora's statement that Dalbec is putting too much pressure on himself may be the problem. He is trying to live up to his former status as the Red Sox top prospect and has been unable to do so. A change of scenery may be what Dalbec needs. Otherwise, he may simply fade away as a Quad-A player, too good for the minors but unable to preform in the major leagues.