Bobby Dalbec has spent eight years in the Boston Red Sox organization without a clear path to a long-term job in the major leagues.
He was designated for assignment on Sept. 8. The spot he held on the 40-man roster for multiple seasons was given to top pitching prospect Richard Fitts, who posted a stellar MLB debut that day. Dalbec has since cleared waivers and will remain with the Red Sox organization. He was outrighted to Triple-A on Sept. 10.
Dalbec was almost traded at the 2023 trade deadline when Chaim Bloom was chief baseball officer, but a deal never came to fruition. Many fans weren't shy that a change of scenery might serve Dalbec well, and after his recent DFA, Red Sox skipper Alex Cora agreed.
"I hate to say that, right, but it's happened before," Cora said, per Christopher Smith of MassLive. "Like I said, let's see what happens in the upcoming days and we'll know more."
Alex Cora gave brutally honest comments after Red Sox designated Bobby Dalbec for assignment
Cora was asked if Dalbec could benefit from a change of scenery.
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) September 8, 2024
“I hate to say that, right, but it’s happened before,” Cora said. “Like I said, let’s see what happens in the upcoming days and we’ll know more.”
Before the 2024 campaign, Cora seemed sure about Dalbec's ability to stick it out in the major leagues this year. He said Dalbec's righty bat and corner defense could help take some pressure off Triston Casas and the other lefties in the lineup against a tough southpaw on the mound. But the 29-year-old's offense didn't measure up, and his chance to help the Red Sox came and went early in the slate.
Hopefully, Dalbec gets the change of scenery he needs to get his career on track next season. Many Red Sox fans would love to see him replicate his 2021 success on a team that needs him.