Ceddanne Rafaela - Center Fielder
Last season, Ceddanne Rafaela was one of the few bright spots for the Red Sox. He finished with 15 home runs and drove in 75 RBIs. Rafaela also provided defensive versatility by playing all over the field. In 152 games, he spent time at second base, shortstop, third base, center field, and right field.
This season, Rafaela has been the team’s full-time center fielder and has yet to commit an error in nine games. While Ceddanne has brought stellar defense, his bat has yet to match his glove. In 30 at-bats, he only has six hits and five RBIs.
Rafaela may have more time to heat up at the plate, given that last offseason, he signed an eight-year, $50 million contract extension with the Red Sox. With that in mind, the Red Sox have the consensus top prospect in baseball, Roman Anthony, tearing up the minor leagues and itching for his shot with the big-league club. Last season, across two levels of the minor leagues, Anthony hit .291 with 18 home runs while driving in 65 RBIs.
I don’t think the Red Sox will trade Rafaela after committing to him long-term. Even when Roman Anthony gets called up from the minor leagues, the team can ease him into the lineup and platoon him with Rafaela. Additionally, when injuries pop up, Rafaela has proven his glove can play anywhere on the diamond. However, if Rafaela’s hitting doesn’t improve, he may be at risk.