Boston Red Soxs Bobby Dalbec using virtual reality to prepare for run at Rookie of the Year award: It would – MassLive.com

Even though Bobby Dalbec spent a month with he Red Sox in 2020, hell still be considered a rookie in 2021. One year after bursting into the majors with six home runs in his first 10 games, the 25-year-old will be eligible for the American League Rookie of the Year award next season.

Dalbec was on Bostons active roster for 29 days, falling short of the 45 days required for players to lose their rookie status. After an impressive first stint in September, Dalbec seems to have a legitimate shot at becoming Bostons first Rookie of the Year winner since Dustin Pedroia in 2007.

It would be awesome to win it and I believe I could, that I have the ability to, Dalbec said on MassLives The Fenway Rundown podcast. That goes along as the same thing as setting big, lofty number goals. You just have to take it day by day. If I end up being the rookie thats qualified and they select me, then thats awesome. If not, then Ill get it rolling the next year.

Dalbec, who was promoted to the majors shortly after the Red Sox traded Mitch Moreland to the Padres on Aug. 30, was one of the few bright spots for Boston in 2020. Though he struck out 39 times in 92 plate appearances, the former fourth-round pick had a memorable streak of five straight games with a homer and played strong defense, solidifying himself as the clubs likely starting first baseman in the spring.

Dalbec knows that to stick in the majors, hell have to cut down on strikeouts. To do so, he aims to focus more on game-planning next season and is even turning to virtual reality to get a jump start on familiarizing himself with pitchers hell likely face.

Dalbec is one of the latest big-leaguers to use WIN Reality, a product that allows hitters to simulate at-bats against major-league pitchers using VR. From his home in Arizona, Dalbec plans on studying pitchers using a tool founded by former MLB executive Dan ODowd and used by players including Paul Goldschmidt, Pete Alonso, and others.

Its supposed to be like actual major-league pitchers, what it looks like in a virtual reality thing, Dalbec said. Ill try it out and see how that goes.

Dalbecs increased focus on game-planning was inspired by teammate J.D. Martinez, who is known as one of baseballs most meticulous students. Though Martinez struggled in 2020, Dalbec was impressed by how the veteran studied each opposing pitcher and began to pick his brain at the end of the year.

J.D. even talked to me about it, Dalbec said. Youve got to do your homework, youve got to know what guys do, how they like to get you out. What patterns theyll fall into. Game-planning is a big thing I need to focus on next year. I havent been that great of a game-planner in the minor leagues but the last week of the season or so I was J.D.s apprentice when it came to game-planning. He showed me how he went about it and I liked that.

Dalbecs eight home runs in 23 games last year would put him on pace for 56 in an 162-game season and the Bill James Handbook projected him for 37 home runs and 92 RBIs in 2021. Despite those lofty predictions, Dalbec isnt setting a goal for the number of homers hell hit in his first full big-league season.

Obviously, Id like to hit home runs, he said. Thats no secret. My mindset going into the season isnt a 40 for homers. It used to be. That kind of used to be my thing. I would say, I want to hit this many home runs and drive this many guys in. Its kind of hard to control that stuff and its hard to put lofty goals like that. Especially in this game where you dont succeed as much. Sometimes it feels like you never do. I just go in there trying to take it day by day and getting better every day. I know the numbers will show up if I take care of my routine and my brain, just trying to stay simple and consistent.

Even though hell almost certainly be starting at first base on Opening Day, Dalbec isnt taking anything for granted. Hell enter spring training with the same mindset as he did the last two years, when he was in big-league spring training despite not being on the team.

Im going to treat it the same way, like I dont have that spot, he said. Thats just how I work. Im not the guy whos going to get comfortable after a short stint up there. I want to solidify myself so I want to do everything I can to help me do that.