On the other side of the ball, Cron has been used exclusively as either a first baseman or designated hitter since debuting with the Angels in 2024. Between Colorado and Los Angeles last year, the 6-foot-4, 235-pounder logged 502 innings at first, where he produced zero defensive runs saved, one out above average, and an ultimate zone rating of 1.3, per FanGraphs.
After losing Justin Turner to the Blue Jays in free agency, the Red Sox came into camp this spring relatively thin on right-handed hitting depth at first base. Bobby Dalbec had been projected to make the team as a backup option behind the left-handed hitting Triston Casas, but Cron now figures to challenge him for that spot in the coming
As someone who is capable of playing first base, third base, and both corner outfield spots, Dalbec may offer more positional versatility than Cron, but his offensive floor is not at the same level. In addition to spelling Casas at first base when needed, Cron could also take some at-bats away from projected everyday DH Masataka Yoshida (another left-handed hitter) if he were to make the team out of camp.
In the more immediate future, Cron — who is expected to arrive in Fort Myers for his physical in the coming days — will not occupy a spot on Boston’s 40-man roster once his signing becomes official. He will, however, have the ability to opt out of his deal if he is not added to the major-league roster within five days of Opening Day (March 28). That, as noted by Cotillo, is his right as an Article XX(B) free agent.
Dalbec, meanwhile, has one minor-league option remaining. In other words, the 28-year-old slugger could be heading back to Triple-A Worcester (where he hit 33 home runs in 114 games last year) for the start of the 2024 season if he loses out to Cron in this battle for a roster spot at camp.
