Red Sox DFA Former Top Prospect Bobby Dalbec

In 2019, he topped the Boston Red Sox Prospects List, per Baseball America. But first baseman Bobby Dalbec never lived up to those expectations, and now, after five years of chances, the BoSox have designated Dalbec for assignment.

The Red Sox announce that Bobby Dalbec has been DFA’d.
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) September 8, 2024

In what was his last chance to make good on his promise in Boston, Dalbec started out the 2024 season with a woeful .133/.217/.193 slash line, with one homer and three stolen bases in 93 plate appearances.

Things started out well for Dalbec when he was first called up in the 2020 shortened season, when he batted .263 with 8 dingers in 23 games. He followed that up in 2021 with a solid full rookie season, launching 25 homers with 78 RBIs, and a .792 OPS. But things deteriorated from there.

Since then, he has batted just .198 with a .269 on-base percentage, .330 slugging percentage and a .599 OPS, with just 14 HR in 175 MLB games.

Through it all, he's been able to tear it up at Triple-A, with 33 HR last season and a .938 OPS, and another 19 bombs this year in 85 games, with an .833 OPS.

Dalbec might be stuck as one of those so-called Quad-A or Four-A players, too good for AAA, but not able to master the majors.

If he clears waivers, the Sox could outright him to the minors. If another team does claim him, perhaps in a new environment, something could click for the 29-year-old.