Injuries have plagued the Boston Red Sox as the 2025 MLB season nears June, with third baseman Alex Bregman being the latest to go down due to a quad injury that could sideline him for a while. While Bregman is expected to return eventually, first baseman Triston Casas likely won’t suit up again this season after suffering a season-ending knee injury in early May, with a projected return sometime in 2026.
To fill the gap at first base, the Red Sox have explored various options over the past few weeks, such as trying Kristian Campbell at the position and acquiring minor leaguer Ryan Noda from the Angels. However, the situation remains unsettled.
One option that fans and analysts considered was reuniting with former Red Sox slugger Bobby Dalbec, who was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox earlier this month. After clearing waivers, Dalbec opted for free agency and signed with the Milwaukee Brewers on May 10. But according to Sean McAdam of MassLive, Boston passed on the opportunity to bring Dalbec back.
Before Dalbec was DFA’d, the White Sox reached out to the Red Sox to gauge interest in a potential reunion Boston declined.
Dalbec, originally drafted by the Red Sox in 2016, debuted in 2020 and played 331 games for the team. He posted a .222/.290/.425 slash line with 47 homers and 142 RBIs during his time in Boston. However, after a dismal 2024 season (.133 average in 37 games), the Red Sox cut ties in September, leading to a short stint with the White Sox.
Though the idea of bringing Dalbec back may have seemed like a logical fix, his current struggles in Triple-A Nashville  hitting just .190 with one home run and 17 strikeouts in 42 at-bats — justify Boston’s decision to move in another direction.
Ironically, the Red Sox are set to face the Brewers in a three-game series starting Monday, but Dalbec is unlikely to be called up for the matchup due to his ongoing struggles in the minors.
