Royals Sign Former Red Sox Slugger Bobby Dalbec, Homers in Omaha Debut

The Kansas City Royals have signed infielder/outfielder Bobby Dalbec to a minor league contract, adding a veteran power bat to their organizational depth chart. The move was announced August 8 through the club’s official player development account.

Signing and Context

Dalbec, 30, opted out of a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers earlier in the week and had multiple overseas offers, including interest from the Korea Baseball Organization, but chose to remain in the MLB system, according to Francys Romero.

The Royals have struggled to find consistent production from their outfield and bench despite trade deadline additions of Randal Grichuk and Mike Yastrzemski. Dalbec’s ability to play first base, third base, and corner outfield adds to Kansas City’s pool of versatile options as they continue a push toward the postseason.

Career Background and Stats

Dalbec was a fourth-round pick by Boston in 2016 and rose to become the No. 3 prospect in the Red Sox system by 2020. He debuted that season and made an immediate impression with eight home runs in 23 games. His best Major League year came in 2021 when he hit 25 homers with a .792 OPS over 133 games, but high strikeout totals — 156 that season — have been a persistent part of his profile.

In parts of six Major League seasons with the Red Sox and Chicago White Sox, Dalbec owns a .222/.290/.422 line with 47 home runs and 143 RBI in 338 games, according to Baseball-Reference. He began the 2025 season with the White Sox on a minor league deal, earned a brief call-up in late April, and was designated for assignment in early May. He then signed with Milwaukee and excelled at Triple-A Nashville, hitting .266/.356/.498 with 12 homers and 44 RBI in 61 games.

Debut with Omaha Storm Chasers

Dalbec reported to Triple-A Omaha and wasted no time making an impact. In his Storm Chasers debut on August 9 at Victory Field in Indianapolis, he homered in the sixth inning — a two-run shot that extended Omaha’s lead — and helped the club to a 10-4 win over the Indianapolis Indians.

Dalbec finished the night 1-for-4 with two runs scored, a walk, and three strikeouts. The homer was his 17th of the 2025 season across all levels.

Kansas City’s roster construction under manager Matt Quatraro has leaned on players capable of handling multiple roles. Dalbec’s mix of right-handed power and defensive flexibility could put him in line for a late-season call-up if he continues to produce with Omaha. His d

Matthew (Matt) Tallarini is the Founder and Chief Correspondent for the World Baseball Network.