Bobby Dalbec is hot, but what do the Red Sox do with him?
As the Aug. 1 trade deadline approaches, one of the burning questions on the mind of every executive in the Red Sox front office has to be: "What in the world are we going to do about Dalbec?"
Dalbec made it very clear at the beginning of the season that he was not happy with his demotion to Triple-A Worcester, as he brushed it off as a "business decision", but was visibly unhappy. The 28-year-old, who has yet to stick on the major-league roster, however, has made the most of his situation.
While he has hit .167 the MLB-level, it's no secret he's is one of the best hitters in the International League.
As of July 18, he was tied atop of the International League with 22 home runs, and has the third highest ops and slugging percentage in the league as well. He has also become more versatile this year, playing multiple outfield spots, and making spot starts at as the WooSox shortstop - a position he had not played since high school.
Although it doesn't translate to paper value, in terms of statistics that can be measured as easily as home runs or slugging percentage, it helps to showcase the reasoning behind the intrigue from general managers throughout the league earlier in the season, according to Peter Gammons.
Two National League execs said yesterday the Red Sox are actively marketing Bobby Dalbec. That's being fair to Dalbec where his career and the club are now, but both execs believe Dalbec can harness his enormous power and fill and everyday 3B role. Alltime good guy
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) May 14, 2023
Whether Boston winds up trading him or not, he is definitely a piece that can be pretty well-valued throughout the league.
With Triston Casas starting to finally heat up for the Red Sox and show his mettle, it might be time to look at Dalbec, and see how they can package him together for someone major-league ready at the deadline. Which brings me to my next point.