Bobby Dalbec's tumultuous tenure with the Boston Red Sox came to an unceremonious end on Sept. 8.
Boston drafted the former top prospect in 2016 and he quickly ascended up the ranks in the farm system. Despite his consistent performance over five seasons in Triple-A (.263/.351/.526), he struggled in the major leagues. He slashed .133/.217/.193 with 43 strikeouts in 37 games for the Red Sox in 2024, which led to his eventual designation for assignment.
Dalbec elected free agency and signed a minor league deal with the White Sox. He didn't make the Opening Day roster, but got off to a torrid start with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, where he's slashed .326/.354/.696 with three doubles, a triple and four homers in 12 games.
In a full-circle moment, Dalbec was called up to make his White Sox debut against the Red Sox at Fenway Park on Patriots' Day. He entered the April 21 game as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning and stood in the batter's box in front of Aroldis Chapman. Dalbec struck out on three pitches to pick up his big league tenure where he left it with the Red Sox.
Former Red Sox Bobby Dalbec struck out in his only at-bat in his return to Fenway Park
Former #RedSox infielder Bobby Dalbec will make his White Sox debut today against his former team 🎙️⬇️
— NESN (@NESN) April 21, 2025
"Great memories. Some of my lifelong friends... people I call family. It's cool to be back and compete against them." pic.twitter.com/Bh0eyMrmcO
In fairness, it was his first at-bat back in the major leagues since June 21 and Chapman is one of the deadliest closers of his time. But the strikeout truly turned Dalbec's return to Fenway Park into the full-circle moment Red Sox fans saw coming.
Despite Dalbec's rocky tenure in Boston, plenty of Red Sox fans still fondly remember the infielder. He was part of the 2021 Sox team that last made the postseason and his 25 homers over 133 games that season won't be forgotten quickly. Even when he started struggling at the plate in subsequent seasons, Dalbec had many believers in Red Sox Nation.
Still, the Red Sox should've traded him when they had the chance. His value peaked after the 2021 season and steadily declined every season since due to his age and offensive woes. Dalbec thought he would be traded at the 2023 trade deadline after Triston Casas established himself as the team's starting first baseman, but never pulled the trigger.
Dalbec's many fans in Boston willed a trade for the infielder so he could break into the majors with another team. Hopefully, he can stick with the White Sox and be part of their impending rebuild to recover from their disastrous 41-121 2024 campaign.