Rafaela agrees to long-term contract
The Red Sox have agreed to a contract extension with rookie Ceddanne Rafaela on an eight-year, $50 million deal, a league source confirmed.
The 23-year-old is the most recent young Sox player to commit to a long-term deal, following in the footsteps of starter Brayan Bello, who agreed to a six-year, $55 million contract with the Sox during spring training.
Rafaela was not a sure bet to make the Opening Day roster. However, after an impressive spring and an injury to outfielder Rob Refsnyder, that all but assured Rafaela a roster spot.
Known for his defensive skill set, Rafaela has certainly displayed his plus defense as the Sox’ everyday center fielder, making two stellar grabs at the wall during the team’s road trip in Oakland.
He rates as one of the premier center fielders in baseball after just 10 games. He ranks in the 75th percentile in outs above average, a range-based metric that displays how many outs a player recorded over his peers, according to Baseball Savant. He’s provided the Sox with keen instincts, too, exemplifying exceptional range in the outfield while also illustrating the ability to take the extra bag on the bases.
“Gold Glove,” said manager Alex Cora recently when asked what he believes Rafaela can achieve. “He’s good. He has good instincts. He has a great arm. He moves well. So, that’s what he’s shooting for. Hopefully he can get it.”
His bat, however, is still a work in progress. Rafaela is hitting just .233/.286/.400 with a .686 OPS. He can become overzealous at the plate, chasing pitches nearly 50 percent of the time to start the year.
But the Red Sox are confident Rafaela’s bat-to-ball skills and overall athleticism will help mask some of his flaws at the plate.
Rafaela brings versatility to the Sox at a time when they desperately need it. Rafaela signed as a shortstop, and grades out as at least average at both middle-infield positions. With Trevor Story on the injured list after dislocating his left shoulder, Rafaela could successfully command the position in
Story’s absence. That move, however, would come at a price, downgrading the Sox’ outfield defense.
In all, the Red Sox saw value in Rafaela, making the quick decision to extend him just 38 games into his big league career.
2004 team to be honored
Prior to the Red Sox’ 2:10 p.m. home opener Tuesday at Fenway Park against the Orioles, close to 40 members of the Boston’s 2004 World Series club will be honored during a special pregame ceremony, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their title. The ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m.
Among those in attendance include Bronson Arroyo, Orlando Cabrera, Johnny Damon, Lenny DiNardo, Keith Foulke, Terry Francona, Gabe Kapler, Derek Lowe, Kevin Millar, Trot Nixon, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Jason Varitek, and Kevin Youkilis.
A number of notable players will be absent. Pedro Martinez was in Boston for several days to attend events with his former teammates but is working for TBS on Monday. Bill Mueller is an assistant hitting coach with the Marlins, who have a game in New York against the Yankees. Mark Bellhorn also was unable to be in Boston. Dave Roberts will be managing the Dodgers in Minnesota.
The Red Sox invited Curt Schilling, who declined. In September, Schilling drew severe backlash when he revealed Tim Wakefield’s cancer diagnosis on his podcast against his wishes.
The organization will also pay tribute to former Red Sox who have passed, including Wakefield and his wife Stacy, as well as former president and CEO Larry Lucchino.
Fans in attendance will receive a Wakefield commemorative pin and a 2024 season schedule magnet.
Before the pregame ceremony, players will be presented with ”Reverse the Curse” sign from Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor
Maura Healey, and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo at the Hotel Commonwealth. Former players will then board duck boats and head to Fenway.
The Hanscom Air Force Base will present the colors, and the national anthem will be performed by the Boston Fire Department A Cappella Quartet with current Orioles and Red Sox players lined up along their respective sidelines. The ceremony will end with a flyover by two F-35s from the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing Unit and one KC-46 from the New Hampshire Air National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing.
Dalbec demoted
Bobby Dalbec was optioned to Triple A Worcester on Monday . . . The Boston College baseball team will play its 12th annual ALS Awareness Game at Fenway on April 25 beginning at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the contest will benefit the Peter Frates Family Foundation. Frates, a former BC captain who played for the Eagles from 2004-07, died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2019.