Two weeks into Triple-A career, Ceddanne Rafaela showing he belongs
Ceddanne Rafaela is 15 games into his Triple-A career and is already showing he is more than capable of sticking around and succeeding at the level.
In those 15 games, Rafaela is slashing .270/.324/.556 alongside five home runs and ten RBIs. The power has been quite impressive, as last night’s homer went 420 feet. When he had a two home run game on 7/7, one of those bombs went 430 feet. He has only gone hitless in two games since his promotion.
His defense has surprisingly been the best part of his game in Worcester thus far. He has made multiple diving catches in center field that have shown up on a few highlight reels. He also carries a great arm for the outfield and would be the best arm out there if not for Wilyer Abreu and his cannon. SoxProspects.com has this on his defensive game:
Versatile, standout defender. Has shown the potential to be a plus defender all around the diamond. Best position is center field, but organization has also continued to get him reps at shortstop. In the outfield, has really good instincts. Takes really efficient routes and has plus-plus range. Routinely makes highlight reel plays. After exclusively playing the infield in 2018 and 2019, he began playing the outfield in 2021 and immediately showed plus defensive ability there. Named farm system's 2021 and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year.
While his numbers have been good to see at the Triple-A level, there is no need to rush Rafaela. With the logjam in the major league outfield at the time, the Red Sox have the luxury of letting Rafaela develop more offensively to finish out the 2023 season in the minors and aim for an MLB spot at the beginning of 2024.
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