Is Bobby Dalbec a target?
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 2: Bobby Dalbec #29 of the Boston Red Sox runs the bases on his home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on October 2, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Miami Marlins rumors: New 3B target
The Boston Red Sox are looking to clear up their first base logjam by trading Bobby Dalbec. Should the Miami Marlins consider trading for him? Dalbec is a first baseman, but can also play third base and that puts him in some competition with our other target. Dalbec however would almost certainly be a first baseman for us. Does it make sense to pursue him? What would he cost? I wrote about a bigger trade with Boston before, this one could be just as interesting…
The Miami Marlins should target Bobby Dalbec for first base.
Bobby Dalbec is a former top prospect who debuted in the shortened 2020 season, with a .225/.359/.600 batting line and 8 home runs and 16 RBI in 23 games and 80 AB. The power and the walks were phenomenal, but the strikeout rate (42.4%) was very alarming. He actually reduced it annually, to 34.4% in 2021 and 33.4% in 2022.
In 2021, Dalbec batted .240/.298/.494 with 25 home runs and 78 RBI in 133 games and 417 AB. In 2022, he batted .215/.283/.369 with 12 home runs and 39 RBI in 117 games and 317 AB. It’s clear that he has power and even some perhaps surprising defensive versatility. The question is whether he’s worth trading for. Dalbec is actually already 27 and so far does not have a track record of consistent Major League playing time.
Another big concern for the Miami Marlins with Bobby Dalbec, is that he’s still striking out a ton, even if he lowered his strikeout rate. Dalbec could immediately step in for us at first base, with Garrett Cooper either relegated to DH duties or the bench. I’m not sure that Dalbec would be an actual upgrade over Cooper, but could he break out if given enough playing time? I certainly think that it’s a possibility.
The best part is that Bobby Dalbec shouldn’t cost too much, therefore being very affordable for The Fish. I do t think that we’ll even have to trade one of our prizes starting pitchers in order to get him. Should the Miami Marlins pursue him though? Is he worth it at all? Depending on the price to acquire him, Bobby Dalbec sounds as an interesting target for the Miami Marlins.
