Ceddanne Rafaela's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Since the start of camp, the Boston Red Sox said they regarded Ceddanne Rafaela as a center fielder only. However, manager Alex Cora on Wednesday sounded ready to at least consider the possibility of using Rafaela at second base. Rafaela is an elite defender at both shortstop and center field, but he hasn't played much at the keystone. But his elite athleticism could give Boston an upgrade at second over Enmanuel Valdez with Vaughn Grissom (hamstring) hurt. If Boston uses Rafaela some at second and center, either Jaren Duran or Tyler O'Neill would shift to center when Rafaela is in the infield. Rob Refsnyder's fractured toe essentially guarantees that Rafaela will make the team's Opening Day roster, and he should be playing frequently between second and center field.

Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela hit his second home run of the spring on Sunday in a 7-6 Grapefruit League win over the Tampa Bay Rays. In the game, the second of the Dominican Republic Series, Rafaela was 1-for-5 out of the leadoff spot with the home run being his only hit of the game. The 23-year-old also struck out twice, bringing his spring total to nine in 30 at-bats (26.5%). Through 12 spring games, the youngster is 7-for-30 (.233) with two doubles, two home runs, five RBI, and three runs scored. He's also stolen two bases and been caught stealing once. Rafaela is trying to earn a roster spot, so he might have to pick it up on offense, although he is known more for his defense, which could still earn him a spot. For fantasy purposes, he's mostly off the radar until he solidifies his roster spot and proves he can hit major league pitching. In his limited action last year, he hit .241 with two home runs and a 31.5% K% to go along with his 4.5% BB% over 89 PA. The sub-6% walk rate has followed him over each stop in the minors over the last few years.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that rookie outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela will be the center fielder in 2024 if he makes the team out of spring training. As of right now, it's to be determined if he opens the year at Triple-A Worcester or the major leagues. "The defensive game is elite. It's a game-changer," Cora said. Jarren Duran is currently the favorite to open the year as Boston's starting center fielder, with Tyler O'Neill in left and Wilyer Abreu in right. The 23-year-old Rafaela went 20-for-83 (.241) with two homers and five RBI in his first 28 major-league games in 2023, and his glove and his speed will probably always be his money-makers. He stole 39 games in 136 games at two minor-league levels last year, but he also managed to clear the fences 22 times as well.