The Red Sox’s primary outfield trio is currently Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran. However, Roman Anthony is awaiting his shot in the big leagues and Masataka Yoshida should return soon as well.
When Yoshida returns, he can no longer serve as the designated hitter, as that role now belongs to Rafael Devers. The Red Sox could be forced to trade one of their outfielders, and Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller suggested Rafaela could be the odd man out, and the Mets could be a suitor, among other teams as well.
“Could they move Rafaela instead, though? Plenty of contenders can’t be thrilled with the production they’ve gotten out of their center fielders thus far this season,” wrote Miller. “The Phillies, Mets and Tigers should all at least kick the tires on a possible trade for Rafaela, while the Diamondbacks, Astros and Guardians — who entered play this past Friday with a combined zero home runs from center fielders — would perhaps engage in a battle royale of a bidding war.”
Rafaela was the Red Sox’s No.4 prospect last season. He slashed .246/.274/.390 in his first full season as a big leaguer. However, the 24-year-old is signed to an eight-year, $50 million extension that has a club option for 2032.
He is off to a slow start this year, but he has star potential, defensive versatility and club control. With Anthony looming, he could carry decent trade value for the Red Sox. Rafaela can play both shortstop and second base, but those positions are filled in Boston. He is far too valuable to waste on their bench.
“Rafaela can also play either middle infield position, so it might actually be quicker to list the teams who wouldn’t be interested if he and his team-friendly contract hit the trade block,” wrote Miller. “While we wouldn’t call Rafaela a slugger, he did hit 15 home runs for Boston last year, as well as at least 20 in the minors in each of 2022 and 2023.
“And with Duran, Abreu, Anthony, Kristian Campbell, Marcelo Mayer and Trevor Story all under team control through at least 2028, Rafaela might be hitting his future home runs somewhere else if the Red Sox receive an offer they can’t refuse.”
Tyrone Taylor has been the Mets’ primary center fielder. He has a .701 OPS, but seems to have peaked as a big leaguer. Brandon Nimmo has struggled in left field as well. Rafaela could be an upgrade over either player if he plays to his potential.
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