In a year which has been uncharacteristically rough for the Boston Red Sox, it’s hard to think of that much good that has happened for the club. Countless injuries, terrible stretches, and in a somehow worse position than the Baltimore Orioles. But like most years, rising stars have emerged through the various ups and downs that occur in the course of a baseball organization, heavily overshadowed by the poor performances of the major league team. One of those players being Red Sox prospect Ceddanne Rafaela.

Versatility

Rafaela, a 21 year old utility man out of Willemstad, Curacao, has been with the Red Sox organization since the Summer of 2017, signing with the ball club at just 16 years of age. He made his professional debut almost a year later on June 2, 2018, with the Dominican Red Sox. Signed mainly for his defensive ability and speed, Rafaela has shown the ability to excel on almost every position on the diamond, and is one of the most athletic players in the Red Sox’s entire organization. While the righty can serve any team well as an infielder, his true position is likely somewhere in the outfield, due to his 60+ grade speed.

Due to his incredible defensive ability and speed, it’s very likely that Rafaela could one day be a serviceable utility player for the Red Sox, at the very least. But Rafaela has also shown considerable improvement with the bat this year. Since being promoted to Portland earlier this season, Rafaela has slashed a .299 batting average to go along with eight home runs. Furthermore, he’s stolen 23 bases this year, and has been a standout on defense too.

Plate Discipline

Due to relatively poor plate discipline as well as considerable strikeout numbers, Rafaela’s offensive stats will likely decline as he moves up through the ranks, and faces better talent. But if the righty can continue to produce on offense, albeit with an expected slight decline, he could become a regular outfielder on the Red Sox.

Opportunity

With the team likely having considerable holes to fill within the next coming seasons in the outfield, Rafaela looks like a great option to take one of the open spots. With the potential to have at least five average to above average tools, Rafaela looks like he may just be one of the next big things for this organization.