On February 9, the Boston Red Sox finally found the final piece of their infield by trading for Caleb Durbin and two other depth infielders from the Milwaukee Brewers. The addition opens a new position debate between Durbin and Marcelo Mayer.
The trade should also put to rest another potential position change. Even new Red Sox infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa agrees.
“I was joking around with Rafaela today, hoping he just plays one spot so he can’t qualify for the utility Gold Glove," Kiner-Falefa said.
The veteran said he intends to pursue the utility Gold Glove to help the Sox complete their transition in to a solid defensive team. Fortunately for IKF's Gold Glove chances, his signing, plus the Durbin trade should eliminate any need for Rafaela in the infield.
New Red Sox Isiah Kiner-Falefa makes a great point with Ceddanne Rafaela defense joke
After Boston lost out on Alex Bregman and didn't make an offer to Eugenio Suárez, many Red Sox fans feared that Rafaela could return to the infield as the second baseman. The team's outfield logjam could allow for it, since Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu are undoubtedly everyday players.
But Rafaela is a Gold Glove center fielder and possibly one of the best defenders in MLB based on just two seasons of work. He logged 21 outs above average, 99th percentile range and 20 defensive runs saved with 92nd percentile arm strength in 2025. Rafaela has flashed excellent defense in the middle infield with a few diving stops on his highlight reel, but his work in center field is unmatched.
With the Red Sox's infield as inconsistent as it's been over the last few seasons, the outfield should be as defensively sound as possible to limit unnecessary damage on the scoreboard and to clear up any easy mistakes. With Rafaela in center field, twice reigning AL Gold Glove winner Abreu in right field and Duran and Anthony in left field, both of whom have flashed great defense, Boston's outfield could be untouchable.
Kiner-Falefa won a Gold Glove as the Texas Rangers' third baseman in 2020. There may not be another one in his future with Boston, as it didn't sign him with the intent to play him every day. Still, his point about Rafaela — whether he was trying to make it or not — stands. The Red Sox finally made enough moves to keep their Gold Glove center fielder in center field where he belongs.