He has a chance to make this team,” Cora told reporters Tuesday from JetBlue Park, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “I think versatility is coming into play. I think the outfield play we like. He did a good job in Triple-A. Obviously, the configuration of the stadium is different in Triple-A but he did a good job. And we need a right-handed bat that can play in the corners and be versatile. So he has a shot to do it.”
The 28-year-old slugger spent the majority of the campaign with Triple-A Worcester as he played only 21 games for the Red Sox, with half of those appearances coming in the final few weeks of the season with Boston out of playoff contention.
Dalbec, who belted 33 home runs with Worcester last season but only batted .204 with one round-tripper in 49 at-bats with the Red Sox, could serve as a backup corner infielder to Rafael Devers and Triston Casas, something Justin Turner did last season when he wasn’t slotted in as the team’s designated hitter. Turner signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency last month.
Dalbec also learned on the job how to play outfield last season with Worcester. He started 36 games in right field to add to his profile.
“He’s a good defender,” Cora said. “He’s going to hit the ball out of the ballpark.”
