Per MLB Pipeline, the Boston Red Sox have three of the top ten prospects in baseball. One of them — outfielder Roman Anthony — is already knocking on the door of the Red Sox' outfield. Anthony is just 20 years old and coming off of a blistering minor league campaign which saw him slash .291/.396/.498 in 119 games across Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. Anthony certainly seems ready to make his big-league debut, which he's projected to do this spring.
There's just one problem — the Red Sox outfield is full. Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu are the projected starters from left to right. Rafaela's position in center in particular is under threat from Anthony, who the Red Sox envision as an everyday center fielder.
Craig Breslow responded to this speculation by ensuring fans that Rafaela, who Red Sox fans are hoping will break out this year, will have a place in the lineup, noting that his versatility and "defensive floor at multiple positions" make him an asset.
However, Breslow did note that the Red Sox will try to keep him in center rather than switching him back and forth between the outfield and infield. Rafaela played mostly center in September 2024, but bounced around between short and center for the rest of the year.
What are the Red Sox going to do with Ceddanne Rafaela as prospects get closer to debuts?
Felt like these comments from Craig Breslow on Ceddanne Rafaela went a little under the radar earlier this week.
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) January 3, 2025
Going to be a very interesting conversation when Roman Anthony is ready. Hell, that could be in spring training. pic.twitter.com/dvyFd9uUqu
Breslow's comments were interesting because it seems like the natural place for Rafaela is in the infield. The Red Sox will no doubt prioritize Anthony, who they hope will be a cornerstone for the franchise. Since Rafaela can play anywhere, it doesn't make sense to commit to him playing in center when Anthony is breathing down his neck. There's also more room in the infield, as short and second are both question marks for this roster and Rafaela has experience playing both.
Of course, shortstop prospect Marcelo Mayer is also projected to make his debut this season and the Sox are hoping for a healthy Trevor Story, so Rafaela might have some competition. Of course, Story has barely played in the last several years, so whether he'll stay healthy is in doubt. The ideal fix would be to trade Masataka Yoshida to open up the DH spot and, subsequently, a spot in the field for Rafaela. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that'll be happening any time soon.