Early look at Red Sox prospect All-Stars: Outfielders
This was quite possibly the toughest position to fill out of all of them, as Boston is ripe with outfield prospects. There are promising young stars that were close, but didn't quite make the list, but these are the ones who fit the mold of "future stars".
Ceddane Rafaela (AA, Portland)
Ceddane Rafaela doesn't exactly fit in on the scoresheet as a traditional outfielder, as he is listed on the Sea Dogs' roster as a third baseman, but there's no doubt he fits on this list somehow and today it's as an outfielder. Rafaela has played the majority of his games in center field and as a designated hitter. The Red Sox, and their fans alike, see him as the next Mookie Betts offensively, and the next Jackie Bradley Jr. defensively and with speed to boot.
The utility aspect of his game will help him down the road, but look for Rafaela to be an integral piece in Boston's clubhouse sooner rather than later, not to mention back in the All-Star Futures Game for the second year in a row this year after hitting .281 with five home runs and 32 RBI while also stealing 25 bases.
Juan Chacon (Low-A, Salem)
If only Boston had known what they had in Juan Chacon last season. In 2023, Chacon has sneakily become one of the top prospects to watch over the next few years, and he has time too considering he is only 20-years-old. After playing mostly for the FCL Red Sox in 2022, he was promoted late in the season to Salem, but he struggled.
This season, however, has been a bit of a different story. He has hit .286, has yet to hit a home run, but has driven in 11 runs. The best statistic to look at for Chacon, however, is the fact that he has stolen 19 bases in 25 attempts, not to mention a league-leading five triples. Chacon is a player to watch, but the Red Sox are in no position to rush him.
Corey Rosier (AA, Portland)
Another person who has impressed in Portland's outfield, along with Rafaela, is Corey Rosier. Originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2021 out of UNC Greensboro in the 12th round, he has impressed this season after being moved by San Diego as part of the trade that brought Eric Hosmer to Boston, and sent Jay Groome to San Diego.
Through 40 games, Rosier has hit .319 with two home runs and 15 RBI. Now, those may not sound like impressive numbers, but when you put in 24 stolen bases on 27 attempts, that's when it starts to get impressive. Add in 61 total bases, and an .830 OPS, that's when you say "wow". You may not know his name now, but you might next year or the year after.
Honorable Mentions: ***Wilyer Abreu (AAA), Ryan Fitzgerald (AAA), Miguel Bleis (Low-A), Gilberto Jimenez (High-A).