Dalbec's bb rate has been 11-15%. WMD's was 4-8%. They really aren't the same hitter. Dalbec walks more and has much more power. WMD had good power. Dalbec has elite power.
It remains to be seen what they do with Wander Franco. It certainly looks like they messed around with service time the year they brought up Snell. Adames probably should have been ready opening day in 2018 too. Archer in 2013?
If they need an additional starter, they'll use Andriese. The first guy up in an emergency situation would probably be Gossett. They also may just go with bullpen days as they have in the past.
There's a non zero chance that Dalbec is hitting .200 in July. If that happens, Casas will have every opportunity to come up, especially if the Sox are competing.
I think Downs, Casas and Duran could all force their way onto this roster. Is it likely to happen? Probably not. I think at least one of those guys mashes and winds up being a starter after the ASB.
Cordero and Renfroe would be a good platoon in theory. We'll just have to see if Cordero can stay healthy. Also, who would the other OFer be aside from Verdugo? Marwin? Kiké? They have pushed Chavis into a IF only role. This team isn't set up for Cordero and Renfroe to be strictly platoon.
If he hits 250, I'll be surprised. Like I've said before, I enjoy the Dalbec experience and will look forward to 45 HR's and 225 K's. His OBP will be ok, but his batting average will be closer to Mendoza than many old school fans would like.
He still needs to work on his secondary stuff if he wants to be a starter. Obviously, there is more value to him starting and they need to do whatever they can to get there. He's most likely just going to the pen at some point though.