The 2020 season has been a year to forget for the Boston Red Sox. Through 47 games, the 2018 World Series champions have a 17-31 record, giving them the most losses in baseball. Despite the Red Sox’ struggles, they have gotten a preview of their future over the past two weeks in the form of Bobby Dalbec. The infield prospect has appeared in 12 games and has become a key part of the offense.
In the minors, Dalbec became one of the club’s top prospects due to his power. Since being drafted in 2016, Dalbec has appeared in 383 games and hit 79 home runs. In less than two weeks in the majors, Dalbec has continued to be a home run machine with six in 43 at-bats. In a lineup full of sluggers, the Red Sox first baseman already has the fourth-most homers.
Additionally, Dalbec has already made history less than two weeks into his career. Entering Saturday night, Dalbec had homered in four consecutive games, becoming the first Red Sox rookie to accomplish the feat. The Washington native is the second player in franchise history with five home runs in his first nine MLB games.
Bobby Dalbec – Boston Red Sox (2) Solo. pic.twitter.com/dzCw1aZ91r
— MLB HR Tracker (@hr_mlb) September 6, 2020
Despite Dalbec’s success, he has also had his fair share of struggles at the MLB level. In 39 at-bats, the former fourth-round pick has struck out 22 times. Strikeouts will be something for Dalbec to watch as he went down on strikes 480 times in the minors.
Although Dalbec’s strikeout numbers are high, he has already shown the ability to make adjustments at the Major League level. After going zero-for-14 from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, Dalbec has 10 hits in his last seven games. In that span, he has raised his average from .111 to .279.
As the season winds down, the Red Sox are hoping that Dalbec can continue his recent stretch. Over the past week, Dalbec’s OBP has risen from .167 to .340. It reflects his improved plate discipline, which should only continue.
FIVE straight games with a dinger for Bobby Dalbec! 😱
(MLB x @flonase) pic.twitter.com/w0tDRbmhVZ
— MLB (@MLB) September 11, 2020
So far, Dalbec has come just as advertised. His swing has brought another power element to a Red Sox lineup that has lost some of its biggest weapons over the past few months. The Red Sox are hoping that Dalbec can help improve their roster over the final month of the season and for many years to come. Over the next three weeks, he will get to show why he should be part of that future.
Regardless of how the season ends, Dalbec has given Red Sox fans excitement in a disappointing season. As the season winds down, he will be out to prove that it is only the beginning of a special career.
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