Over the course of a 162-game season, depth isn’t just a luxury in Major League Baseball-it’s a necessity. The grind is relentless, and the injuries are inevitable.
That’s why teams with postseason ambitions need more than just star power; they need a roster that can absorb the blows and keep moving forward. Few clubs do this better than the Milwaukee Brewers.
Milwaukee has built a reputation for maximizing its 40-man roster and keeping its Triple-A pipeline stocked with talent. We’re talking about players who, on other teams, might already have everyday jobs in the majors. That kind of organizational depth isn’t just impressive-it’s essential to the Brewers’ sustained success, especially given how frequently they’ve turned over their roster in recent years.
And that churn has created some fascinating connections across the league. Walk through American Family Field on any given night and you might spot a jersey that makes you do a double take-maybe a Dallas Keuchel or Josh Donaldson Brewers jersey. Those deep cuts are a badge of honor for fans who’ve followed the team’s every transaction.
But the Brewers’ reach goes beyond just the big-league club. Their Triple-A affiliate in Nashville has become a revolving door for former stars, prospects in transition, and veterans chasing one more shot.
Just last year, former NLCS MVP Eddie Rosario and longtime Brewer Luis Urías both suited up for the Sounds. And in 2025, another name joined that list: Bobby Dalbec.
Dalbec’s journey through the Brewers organization was brief but notable. Once a breakout rookie with the Red Sox, Dalbec showed real promise back in 2021 when he mashed 25 homers and drove in 78 runs for Boston.
At the time, he looked like the heir apparent at first base. But the consistency never quite followed.
Over the next few seasons, he bounced between Triple-A and the majors, struggling to find a foothold.
After a short stint with the White Sox in early 2025-just seven games-Chicago designated him for assignment. Dalbec declined a minor league assignment and hit free agency. That’s when the Brewers stepped in, signing him to a minor league deal and assigning him to Nashville.
For three months, Dalbec became a key piece for the Sounds, playing first base, third base, and even some right field. And he produced.
In 61 games, he hit .266 with a .356 on-base percentage and a .498 slugging mark. He launched 12 home runs and added 15 doubles-solid numbers that reminded people of the raw power that once made him such an intriguing prospect.
Still, in early August, the Brewers released him. He finished the season with the Royals’ organization, but now, Dalbec is heading overseas in search of a fresh start.
The next chapter of his career will take place in Japan, where he’s signed with the Yomiuri Giants for the 2026 season. At 30 years old, Dalbec is betting on himself.
He’s hoping that a strong year in Nippon Professional Baseball can reignite interest from MLB teams and earn him another shot at a big-league role. The power is still there-he’s always had that-but for Dalbec to make it back, he’ll need to show he can get on base consistently, something that’s eluded him at the major league level.
It’s a move we’ve seen before: a talented player, still in his prime, heading overseas to reset and refine. And if Dalbec can put it all together in Japan, don’t be surprised if he becomes a name to watch on the free agent market this time next year.