Weeks after securing right-hander Brayan Bello with a six-year extension, the Red Sox are poised to solidify another key member of their young core.
According to a source speaking to MassLive on Monday, Boston has reached a contract extension agreement with Ceddanne Rafaela. While the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it is anticipated to be finalized in the coming days.
Rafaela, aged 23, has only participated in 38 MLB games thus far and was not due for free agency until after the 2029 season. It is presumed that Rafaela’s extension will grant the Red Sox control over him beyond that timeframe, likely extending through 2030 or 2031.
Upon taking over as chief baseball officer in November, Craig Breslow emphasized the Red Sox’s intent to aggressively pursue long-term extensions with players who had not yet reached arbitration.
With the recent signings of Bello, who agreed to a $55 million deal over six seasons in March, and now Rafaela, the team has successfully secured agreements with two players expected to be integral to their future plans. Prior to Bello’s extension, the Red Sox had only signed one pre-arbitration player (Garrett Whitlock) to an extension since 2011.
Although the team approached several players about early deals during spring training, they encountered difficulty gaining traction with most of them. Notably, standout young position players Triston Casas and Jarren Duran are not likely to sign deals in the near future, as teams typically table contract talks once the regular season commences.
Rafaela, who made his debut in late August, earned a spot as the Opening Day center fielder this season and has posted a .233 batting average with a double, two triples, and five RBIs in 10 games.
Hailing from Curacao, Rafaela emerged as one of Boston’s top prospects in recent years and impressed with his performance at Triple-A last season before making his MLB debut. Renowned for his elite defense, Rafaela also possesses versatility, with the ability to play middle infield positions, although Red Sox decision-makers view him as best suited for the outfield.
In light of Trevor Story’s indefinite absence due to a shoulder dislocation, speculation has arisen regarding the possibility of Rafaela temporarily transitioning to shortstop. However, Breslow remained noncommittal on this front, suggesting that the team is still evaluating its options and considering various factors before making a decision.
