What to Expect from Red Sox Outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela

The Boston Red Sox called up one of the team’s best prospects on August 28, as INF/OF Ceddanne Rafaela was summoned from the Minors after he hit .305 with eight home runs in August. Now, Rafaela will join a Sox team that started the day four and a half games out of the last AL Wild Card spot. Here’s a closer look at the 22-year-old.

A Look at Rafaela

Red Sox prospect Ceddanne Rafaela showcased pop and speed in each of his first three pro seasons (2019-21), before what was a breakout campaign in the Minors last year. Between Greenville (A+) and Portland (AA), Rafaela hit .299/.342/.538 with 21 home runs, 28 stolen bases, and 63 extra base hits over 116 games.

This year, Rafaela — who boasts quick bat speed and power — hit .302/.349/.520 with 20 home runs, 36 stolen bases, and 54 extra base hits over 108 games (AA and AAA).

Rafaela didn’t swipe as many bases with Worcester — six over 48 games, compared to 30 with Portland — but saw his power numbers explode in central Massachusetts. The 22-year-old slugged .618 over his time with the WooSox and actually accumulated more extra base hits there (30) than he did over 60 games with the Sea Dogs (24).

The one notable knock on Rafaela’s numbers are the walks. Rafaela posted a 5.0% BB% rate in the 2022 season, and his 5.4% BB% rate this season is not much higher.

Defensively, Rafaela saw most of his time in center field. He did also see time at short in each of the last three seasons. Public scouting reports have raved about Rafaela’s speed and fielding ability, the latter of which graded at 70 by MLB.com.

Boston called up both Rafaela and David Hamilton on August 28. Infielder Pablo Reyes was placed on the IL and OF Wilyer Abreu went on the paternity list.

What it Means for the Red Sox and Fantasy Outlook

The right-hander hitting outfielder gets his first chance at the MLB level, for a Red Sox team that’s in the midst of a playoff push, but also dealing with injuries. Aside from Reyes, the Sox are also down OF Jarren Duran, who’s been Boston’s regular center fielder this season.

In the interim, the Sox have given Adam Duvall and Wilyer Abreu, the latter of whom hit very well in his first five games in Boston, time in center. But with Abreu now on the paternity list, Rafaela is set to join an outfield that includes Duvall, Rob Refsnyder, Masataka Yoshida, and Alex Verdugo.

It will be interesting to see if the versatile Rafaela will stick on the Sox’s active roster past September 1, when Boston must carry 28 players. If he does, Rafaela does carry some late-season fantasy value thanks to his bat and speed. The key, however will be how much the 22-year-old plays.