Highly-Touted Red Sox Prospect Launches 20th Home Run With MLB Call-Up Due Soon
The Boston Red Sox have seen an influx of young talent brewing thanks to chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom's revamped farm system.
While the big-league club has fallen short of their postseason aspirations thus far -- with time ticking -- it's clear that the future of the organization is bright. One of the top prospects in the organization has shown a rare five-tool ability that Boston will benefit from in the near future.
The Red Sox's No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, versatile Ceddanne Rafaela, just launched his 20th home run this season and continues to look the part of a future star.
The 22-year-old broke out last season and has continued to dominate at each level he's appeared in. Listed at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, the defensive acumen, speed and contact were apparent but his power was logically put into question. Rafaela has put those worries to bed as those in the organization continue to compare him to former Red Sox superstar Mookie Betts.
Rafaela is hitting .302 with 54 extra-base hits including the aforementioned 20 home runs, 79 RBIs and .869 OPS in 108 games between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. He's also swiped 36 bases in 49 attempts and many scouts believe his defense is so strong that he could win a Major League Baseball Gold Glove right now.
The rising star has been strongest in center field but also has logged 15 appearances at shortstop this season and could fill a super-utility role upon his call-up. He's played just about every position leading up to 2023 and many believe he's above average everywhere except first base and catcher.
Update: The Red Sox have called up Rafaela to the big-league roster in place of Wilyer Abreu -- who is on paternity leave. Rafaela is not expected to stick on the roster until some point next season but will have a shot to prove his worth in the coming days.
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