Ceddanne Rafaela, who signed long-term with Boston earlier this season, is slowly changing into some of the versatile and fun-to-watch younger gamers in the whole MLB. After signing with the Purple Sox as a world free agent in 2017, Rafaela shortly surged up the membership’s farm system and MLB’s prospect rankings. In 116 video games in 2022, splitting time between AA and A+, he slashed .299/.342/.538 with 63 extra-base hits (21 HR) and 28 stolen bases.
After posting equally spectacular numbers in AAA by means of the start of 2023, Rafela was referred to as up and made his long-awaited main league debut. In 28 video games (89 PA) to complete off the yr, he slashed .241/.281/.386 and hit two residence runs. Though these numbers don’t leap off the web page, the Purple Sox entrance workplace noticed sufficient positives and inked him to an eight-year, $50 million extension with an possibility that goes till 2032.
Instantly following the deal, nevertheless, Rafaela’s efficiency on the plate started to wane. His batting common dipped considerably, and his energy numbers additionally declined. From the day he signed the extension on April 11 by means of Might 16, he slashed .204/.229/.372. His strikeout charge elevated and his stroll charge dipped.
As of lately, nevertheless, Rafaela seems to be righting the ship. Since Might 17, he’s slashing .321/.345/.472. And over his final seven video games, Rafaela is hitting .615 with an astounding OPS of .1489.
He is among the hardest gamers in baseball to get out proper now, and all of the indicators level to this model of Rafaela sticking round (possibly he received’t hit over .600, however even half of that’s fairly good).
As well as, he’s displaying way more fielding versatility than he was throughout final season and earlier than April 10 of this season. This yr, he has performed 4 positions, together with middle area, shortstop, second base, and third base. And due to how effectively he performs shortstop, he saved the Purple Sox from having to look elsewhere to interchange Trevor Story.
The Rafaela extension was an awesome transfer for the Purple Sox, because it secured the way forward for a dynamic and versatile participant with great potential. Rafelas’s means to regulate and overcome adversity early in his profession could be very promising. Moreover, his distinctive defensive expertise throughout the diamond guarantee he is usually a cornerstone within the area.
By locking him right into a long-term deal, the Purple Sox not solely stabilized a key place with a high-ceiling expertise, but additionally doubtlessly saved on future prices as Rafaela’s worth continues to rise. This extension additionally demonstrates the group’s dedication to creating and retaining homegrown expertise, which is essential for sustained success.
