Boston Red Sox prospect Ceddanne Rafaela is enjoying an insane start
If you read anything from me over the last year-or-so, you’re probably tired of hearing about Boston Red Sox prospect Ceddanne Rafaela. Well, I have terrible news for you if that’s the case. Rafaela was must-watch last year due to elite defense, tons of speed, and an interesting bat. Well that “interesting bat” has been upgraded to “potentially elite”.
Yes, we’re only a few games into the 2022 season. But let me throw some stuff at you.
In 2021, the right-handed hitter slashed .251/.305/.424 with 20 doubles, nine triples, and 10 home runs in Low-A. He drove in 53 runs and scored 73 more, stealing 23 bases. Like I said, that’s an interesting bat.
2022 sees the 21-year-old taking on a new challenge. He started the year in High-A with the Greenville Drive. And in nine games, we’re seeing a Rafaela that should be considered a prospect you have to watch.
I’m hyping him up too much, aren’t I? Not really. Rafaela is slashing .395/.422/.860 with five doubles and five home runs. Seriously, he’s already smacked five home runs in just eight games. Add on 11 RBI, 14 runs scored, and four steals to that stat line as well.
As the season went on last year, we started to see more-and-more offense from the utility-man. Mostly he was popping eyes for his speed and ability to play Gold Glove defense at a number of positions (shortstop, third base, second base, and the entire outfield to be specific).
As the year wore on though, we saw major improvements at the plate. He was getting his average up nicely, and starting to put a charge into the ball. Entering July, Rafaela had just four doubles, three triples, and one home run. Those numbers spiked nicely after that.
This year, he’s not waiting around to start flexing the muscles though. And it really might not just be a hot-streak.
Okay, I’m not saying he’s going to hit .395 all year. But what I am saying is that Rafaela made clear improvements during last season. This could just be the next logical step. It’s not exactly coming out of nowhere if you paid attention to him last season.
When I first started evaluating Rafaela, I thought he had everything going for him except power. It appears he’s added that to his game though. 20 home run seasons are not impossible anymore. And with that, people really need to start taking notice of the Gold Glover that can play so many different positions (literally won the Red Sox MiLB defensive player of the year award last year). Because he’s more than just a glove.
Ceddanne Rafaela is a complete prospect for the Red Sox and needs to start being mentioned as a legitimate name to watch – right near the top. He’s also the leadoff hitter in my MLB: The Show All-Red-Sox-prospects franchise that I made. The first game will probably be played on Monday so look out on my Twitter for the stream link (twitch is IrishAnchor).
And from now on when you say his name, say it in all caps like MF DOOM.