The Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox are no strangers to trading with each other. Former Boston prospect Chase Meidroth — traded for Garrett Crochet — has been a critical member of Chicago's lineup since he was called up from Triple-A on April 11.
On April 21, ahead of the two Sox's final matchup of the year. Meidroth was placed on the injured list with right thumb inflammation. Another former Red Sox prospect, Bobby Dalbec, was called up to take his place on the 40-man roster.
The Red Sox drafted Dalbec in 2016 and quickly rose to top prospect status. The infielder made his major league debut and posted 23 games in 2020, but broke out in 2021, the last time Boston made the playoffs. He slashed .240/.298/.494 with 21 doubles, five triples, 25 homers and 78 RBI over 133 games.
Dalbec struggled at the plate in subsequent years, though, and never earned as much playing time in the big leagues as he did in 2021. His offensive success decreased each season until 2024, when he slashed .133/.217/.193 with 43 strikeouts in 37 games.
White Sox place former top Red Sox prospect Chase Meidroth on injured list, summon polarizing former Red Sox Bobby Dalbec
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 21, 2025
Dalbec's path to the major leagues was blocked everywhere he looked in the Red Sox organization. He's played all across the infield but spent most of his time in the big leagues at first base before Triston Casas emerged as Boston's primary first baseman. The Red Sox designated Dalbec for assignment on Sept. 8 and he elected free agency when the offseason began. He then signed a minor league deal with the White Sox on Jan. 7.
Dalbec's return to Fenway Park could also be his White Sox debut. He is not in the starting lineup for the Patriots Day game and the final game of the season series, but he could be subbed in against his former team.
The 29-year-old has started off hot with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, to the tune of a .326/.354/.696 slash line with four homers and 13 RBI in 12 games. Red Sox fans will be on the lookout to see if he can match Meidroth's production in the big leagues — he's batting .269/.387/.269 in nine games.
Meidroth made his White Sox debut against Boston and logged a hit and three walks for a perfect 1.000 on-base percentage. Dalbec doing the same could be the perfect revenge to start his tenure in Chicago.