Red Sox First Baseman To Get Reps At Two Different Positions This Spring

He was once an intriguing top prospect.

Now, however, he's a prime trade candidate for the Boston Red Sox, although his buying price isn't nearly as high as it once was.

Manager Alex Cora revealed that Dalbec will see playing time at third base and shortstop, in addition to his primary position this spring.

The move is part of the team's plan to fill the void left by Rafael Devers and Enrique Hernandez, who will participate in the World Baseball Classic.

Dustin Pedroia is hitting grounders to his sons, Bobby Dalbec playing first and now second with them. Check out the toss and the end. pic.twitter.com/zyBuq7q8gA

— Chris Henrique (@ChrisHenrique) February 18, 2023

Dalbec has been Boston's primary first baseman for the past two seasons, but that job now belongs to Triston Casas, Boston's top prospect.

Justin Turner, signed this offseason, is expected to serve as the right-handed batter against tough lefty matchups.

Despite sliding down the depth ranks considerably last season, the Red Sox still believe in Dalbec and kept him on the 40-man roster during an active offseason when many players were removed from it.

Dalbec, who is under team control through 2026 and can be carried at Triple-A Worcester, is seen as a potential trade chip by some observers. However, the team is not in a hurry to move him and hopes that his versatility will make him a valuable asset going forward.

Dalbec has played 14 innings at shortstop in the majors over the past two seasons and successfully handled the ball in all eight chances that came his way.

For his young career, spanning just three seasons, the twenty-seven-year-old holds a .232/.298/.456 triple-slash line, with 45 home runs, 133 RBIs, five stolen bases and 103 runs scored over 273 games. Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports