Bobby Dalbec Scouting Report
The Boston Red Sox second-ranked prospect, Bobby Dalbec, has been promoted through five different levels in the past three seasons. The sixth and final minor league promotion may come sooner rather than later, as Dalbec leads the Eastern League (AA) in home runs.
Dalbec is a power-hitting third baseman with a whole lot of raw strength. He stands 6’4″ and has a strong build. Above-average upper body skills and below-average lower body skills tell the infielder’s story. Phenomenal power, a strong throwing arm, and good defensive hands highlight his strengths. However, his defensive footwork and speed on the base paths have room for improvement.
Dominating the Minor Leagues
Through 90 games this season, the Portland Sea Dogs third baseman leads the Eastern League with 19 home runs. Along with this, he also sits top-five in RBI, total bases, on-base percentage, and OPS while leading the league in walks.
This isn’t the first time that Dalbec has dominated the leaderboards. In 2018, when he played for the Salem Red Sox in Class A-Advanced, Dalbec ranked first in home runs, RBI, slugging percentage, and OPS. He added fourth- and third-place finishes in total bases and on-base percentage, respectively.
The season prior, 2017, Dalbec played for the Greenville Drive. During that stint, he finished 16th in the South Atlantic League in home runs but played 36 less games than the leader.
In 2016 with the Lowell Spinners, in Class-A Short-Season, Dalbec finished seventh in home runs while playing 33 less games than the top home run hitter.
Weaknesses
On the other end of the spectrum, Dalbec currently sits with the sixth-most strikeouts in the Eastern League. He also finished with the fourth- and 13th-most strikeouts in his previous two stops before 2019.
Major League Outlook
The biggest concern for Dalbec in the near future is being blocked at the Major League level. The best hitter for the Red Sox this season has been third baseman Rafael Devers. Michael Chavis also came through the system playing the hot corner. Injuries have prompted him to play second and first base primarily this season.
If Dalbec continues to progress at this same level, he may be forced to learn the other corner and be the first baseman of the future. Boston could be looking at an infield of Dalbec, Chavis, Devers, and Xander Bogaerts within the next few seasons.
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