The Boston Red Sox have had many injuries at the start of the season, with more than twelve players currently dealing with injuries or ruled out for the season.
The latest injury to first baseman Triston Casas, who is expected to be out until at least June, with a rib fracture,, has led the team to consider reuniting with former All-Star C.J. Cron, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.
“With Casas out for the foreseeable future, (manager Alex) Cora said the Red Sox plan to place Bobby Dalbec, who is 1-for-30 with 18 strikeouts this season, as their everyday first baseman,” Cotillo reported. “Another option would be to reunite with C.J. Cron; according to a source, the Red Sox have discussed the possibility of bringing him back after releasing him in spring training.”
C.J. Cron, a veteran slugger, could be a better option than Bobby Dalbec for the Boston Red Sox.
As Cotillo mentioned, Dalbec has been struggling at the plate, and using him as the everyday first baseman could negatively affect the team’s offensive production. In a five-year MLB career, Dalbec has a .223/.290/.434 slash line.
There is reason to believe that Cron, who is currently not signed after the Red Sox cut him just before Opening Day, could provide more offensive potential. In 10 big-league seasons, including an All-Star year in 2022, Cron had a .260/.320/.471 slash line, with 12 homers and 37 RBI in 258 at bats for the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels in 2023. He has hit 25 or more home runs in four different seasons.
Bringing back Cron would show a change of heart regarding Dalbec, who originally won the backup first base role over the veteran.
“As for Cron, the 34-year-old was added after camp opened to provide additional right-handed power and competition for Dalbec,” Mac Cerullo reported for the Boston Herald. “Cron is the more accomplished player at the big league level … but Dalbec is more versatile, being able to play third base and occasionally outfield while Cron is only a first baseman.”
Options outside the team are being considered by the Boston Red Sox to replace Triston Casas.
Now that there is a need for an additional exclusive first baseman, the Red Sox may be changing their plans regarding Cron. However, the front office might also be discussing other candidates at the moment.
“The Red Sox have other options to consider if they decide to look outside the organization,” Steve Adams noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “Another veteran, Brandon Belot, is still unsigned… The Cubs also just designated veteran Garrett Cooper for assignment despite a rather productive 41 plate appearances at the start of his season.”
Any additions to the Red Sox roster might ultimately depend on Bobby Dalbec's performance while filling in for Casas. If he can improve his offense, the team might choose to stick with its relatively young roster for now.
Even if Dalbec improves or the Red Sox bring in a more experienced veteran, it’s unlikely that any change at first base will make up for the loss of Casas.
“The at-bat, the power, the working the counts, the on-base percentage, he’s a force,” Cora said of Casas after the injury, per Cotilla. “We saw it last year in the second part of the season. He was really good and then he got hurt. He’s very important but we’ve got to keep going, man. We’re not going to stop.”
