The Brewers have signed Bobby Dalbec to a minor league deal and assigned the infielder to Triple-A, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
After signing a minor league deal with the White Sox during the offseason, Dalbec’s contract was selected to Chicago’s active roster a little over three weeks ago, and he hit .222/.333/.278 over 21 plate appearances in his brief time in a Pale Hose uniform. The Sox designated him for assignment earlier this week, and once Dalbec cleared waivers, he opted for free agency instead of an outright assignment to Triple-A, as was his right since Dalbec has previously been outrighted in his career.
It wasn’t long ago that Dalbec was a top-100 prospect, and viewed as a potential first baseman of the future in Boston. A big .959 OPS over 92 PA in 2020 hinted at this potential, and a .240/.298/.494 slash line and 25 homers over a large sample size of 453 PA in 2021 seemed to be a step forward, even if his 34.44% strikeout rate that season underlined his major flaw at the plate. Since Opening Day 2022, Dalbec has hit only .199/.272/.328 in 520 PA at the big league level, with 195 whiffs in those 520 trips to the dish.
Now 29 years old, Dalbec may be a depth option in Milwaukee, though the Brew Crew’s relative weakness at third base may provide an opening for more MLB playing time. Rookie Caleb Durbin has been getting most of the time at the hot corner, and with Vinny Capra just designated for assignment, Dalbec now gives the Brewers a bit of experienced depth. Dalbec has primarily been a first baseman for most of his career, but he has amassed a good chunk of playing time at third base, plus a handful of appearances as a right fielder at both middle infield slots.
He’s alive.
Bobby Dalbec: such a failed prospect that even the Red Sox won’t bring him back when they have a desperate opening at first base.
Bobby Dalbec would not improve the Red Sox’s current field of options for 1B. He’s pure minor league depth at this point.
I see you took my comment seriously and I apologize for the miscommunication: I hate the Red Sox and I think they’re a poorly run organization of late and have been for a while now and I relish at their poor roster construction and failed mega contracts, etc. so my suggestion to bring Dalbec back is far more about “it can’t be worse than any other option for them and hahahahaha their options suck.”
If I must carry the torch of genuine commentary through the night alone, then this burden I shall bear.
Bahahaha
I thought he had a shot. Unlike Chavis, Dalbec would occasionally go deep opposite field. But the strike zone always tells the truth.
Maybe the Brewers luck out and can make a “Travis Shaw” out of him
Ha! Kinda what I was thinking too. Good one.
There’s a hitter in there somewhere! Hopefully the Brewers can find it!
Should be just a depth piece at AAA. Brewers got Martinez jr who they need to give a chance first. Can play first and corner outfield. Has looked really good.
I cannot believe there isn’t a player in the Brewers org somewhere who could step in make a name for themselves here. Wilken is struggling with strikeouts in AA, and Boeve must’ve been hurt. Doesn’t look like Tyler Black is going to put it all together.
Just bite the bullet and put Ortiz back at 3rd. Turang and Collins can decide who wants short. Gotta do something here to give Murph something to work with and try.