I can just hear the ladies and Gentlemen of Fenway now “Ohh Bobby!” “Hey Bobby D!” “Bow-b we luv ya”. You would think these noises would be hard to come by with a lack of fans inside the unofficial statehouse of Massachusetts. Here’s the thing, Massholes are loud, and they love names that really accentuate the accent. I.E. NOMAH! In truth, I have no idea if Red Sox fans are even watching the Red Sox this season, I know I’m not. Regardless, former 2016 fourth rounder (118th overall) will make his debut for the Red Sox this afternoon, travel permitting.
THE RANKINGS
Bobby Dalbec ranked 3rd on the Boston Red Sox Top 30 list and 146th in our Top 500 Fantasy list.
THE TOOLS
Hit (30 present/40 future): This is the biggest question mark associated with Dalbec’s game. He struggles to make consistent contact and will be one of the poorer contact hitter in the game. His above average plate approach allows him to work deep into counts and draw plenty of walks. So there’s some upside from an OBP standpoint, but 67-72% contact rates, paired with SwStr% in the 14-16% range aren’t great. There’s almost a Luke Voit element to his plate profile.
Power (60 game/70 raw): With 48 extra base hits in 2019 and 27 home runs, it’s easy to see that Dalbec’s power translates in game. He shows plus raw in game and outside his big arm and on base ability Dalbec’s game is defined by his power. It’s just a matter of making contact. It’s never a matter of getting to his game power but improving his ability to make contact, and through that ability for the power to translate.
Defense/Arm (40/70): The arm is an absolute rocket, dating back to his days at Arizona where he worked as the Wildcats closer. Unfortunately his hands have backed up over the years and he’s a below average glove at third. He’s going to likely see a majority of his time in the coming years at first and should likely settle in at the position with more reps.
Speed (40/40): A below average runner, that shouldn’t be a deterrent on the bases but is a strictly station to station runner.
PREDICTION
Likely to see a part time or platoon role for the remainder of 2020 splitting time with Michael Chavis with an opportunity to earn a full time gig in 2021 with Moreland out of town on the final year of his deal. I’d expect Dalbec to struggle early before settling in where he’ll get on base and show plus power in game. It might take until next year for his true skill set to come to fruition. Or he hits .100 the next month plus and finds himself on the outside looking in for the Red Sox plans.
FANTASY IMPACT
Probably only an add in deeper OBP or OPS leagues at this point with a chance to get hot and hit a bunch of homers in a week. He’s always been a streaky hitter so be prepared to make an add and see what happens if he gets hot.