Height
5'10"
Weight
165 lbs
Age
25
College
N/A
Experience
3 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsC-
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 338 | 0.24788494 | 33 | 144 | 0.6847415 | 42 | 293 |
Current Contract
Length
8 years
Total Value
$50.0M
Guaranteed
$30.0M
AAV
$6.3M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Ceddanne Rafaela's eight-year, $6.3M AAV extension with the Red Sox earns a C CVI grade, reflecting a deal that locks up a serviceable starter at below-market rates but carries significant risk given his limited MLB track record. At 23, Rafaela offers intriguing defensive versatility across the outfield and middle infield, but his offensive profile projects as roughly league-average at best, making this a substantial commitment for a player who hasn't proven he can consistently contribute 2-3 WAR seasons. The Red Sox are essentially betting $50.4 million that Rafaela's glove and athleticism will age well through his late twenties, which represents solid value if he develops into an above-average regular but could become an albatross if his bat doesn't improve. Boston's competitive timeline makes this extension puzzling — they're paying for prime years of a player who may not move the needle significantly during their next contention window. While $6.3M annually won't cripple their payroll flexibility, the length of the deal limits their ability to pivot if better options emerge at center field, and Rafaela's current production doesn't justify eight years of security for a franchise trying to return to October baseball.
Performance Analysis
Ceddanne Rafaela grades as an above average performer among MLB center fielders, earning a B Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.247 batting average and a 0.685 OPS (below the league average of .720) this season. With 33 home runs and 143 RBI through 336 games (a 16-HR, 69-RBI pace over a full season), he brings moderate power to the lineup. His 42 stolen bases add an elite speed dimension that creates additional offensive value. As a young developing player at 25, Ceddanne is a key contributor for the Red Sox. A 336-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 4/11 | @ STL | L 2-3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wed, 4/8 | vs MIL | W 5-0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
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