Reporter Fuels Trade Rumors Regarding Red Sox Fan Favorite After Lackluster Stint In Boston

Would the Boston Red Sox swing a trade involving a fan-favorite slugger before the season starts?

MassLive's Chris Cotillo indicated that spring training could a showcase for potential trade partners for first baseman Bobby Dalbec.

"Entering the winter, (Dalbec) seemed like a prime trade candidate and there were reports in December that the (Tampa Bay) Rays were among the teams interested in acquiring him," Cotillo wrote Monday. "But as one baseball source said over the weekend, Dalbec isn’t necessarily 'burning a hole' in the club’s pocket. So he remains with the club as a bit of a forgotten man as spring training opens."

Cotillo would go on to write that while Dalbec has yet to officially request a trade, he would not be surprised if the 27-year-old would welcome a fresh start. 

Dalbec hit .215 with 23 extra-base hits including 12 home runs, 39 RBIs, a horrendous 118-to-29 strikeout-to-walk ratio and .652 OPS in 117 games last season to go along with poor corner infield defense.

Dalbec could serve as a platoon/pinch hitter against left-handed pitching -- he's hit .268 with 35 extra-base hits including 19 home runs, 59 RBIs and a .855 OPS in 330 career plate appearances versus southpaws -- with the potential to grow his role down the road, but his expectations are as low as can be. 

A trade would be interesting for at least a couple of reasons. The Rays being the potential trade partner adds intrigue given the inter-division rivalry.

The biggest question would be the potential return for Dalbec. His overall play has been poor, highlighted by his -0.7 bWAR last season and career 0.1 bWAR. However, the right-hander has a unique combination of power and athleticism that increases his stock. He's also under contract through 2026. It would not be unimaginable for a team to offer a moderately-ranked prospect or semi-notable big-league player in package. 

It seems unlikely that the Red Sox would deal Dalbec ahead of Opening Day but it sounds as if it could be best for the player and potentially the club as well.