Breaking News: In response to his agreement to join the Chicago Sox, the Red Sox have severed their connections with the former 30-hour All-Star slugger.

Red Sox Cut Ties With Former 30-HR All-Star Slugger

It was only two years ago that first baseman C.J. Cron belted 29 home runs and knocked in 102 RBIs, earning his first-ever All-Star nod while suiting up for the Rockies. That came on the heels of a year in which he hit 28 homers with 92 RBIs, and four years after he whacked 30 homers for the Rays. Cron can hit, and hit with power, and he appeared to be a solid bet to at least make the Red Sox as a bench player when he was signed by the team on March 3

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Alas, Cron opted out of the minor-league deal he signed on Friday when it was clear he’d been beaten out as the backup first baseman to Triston Casas by Bobby Dalbec. Over the weekend, the team released Cron altogether, rather than seeking to re-sign him after the opt-out.

The Red Sox did say they’re keeping pitcher Joely Rodriguez, as the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier announced on Twitter/X: “Joely Rodriguez has made the Red Sox roster, a decision punctuated with a joyful shout from the lefty in the clubhouse. CJ Cron, meanwhile, has been released.”

Bobby Dalbec Getting Backup Role?

It’s an unfortunate turn of events for Cron, who was favored to keep a spot with the big-league team because he could not be optioned to Class AAA Worcester, where Dalbec still has an option left. At 28 years old and having spent four years in Boston, Dalbec obviously did not want to return to the minors. He won’t have to, after batting .255 with three homers and nine RBI in 21 games this Spring.

Dalbec will be the backup to Casas and, barring injury, is likely to have a limited role this season. He is primarily a first baseman, but can DH or play a little third base, though he has logged only 22 career starts there.