Ceddanne Rafaela

Last spring, Red Sox manager Alex Cora stated that Rafaela would make the opening day roster only if he earned an everyday job in the outfield. Injuries to multiple infielders softened Cora's stance, and then Rafaela's .896 OPS in the spring made the decision easy. Rafaela ended up missing only 10 games, seven in September. He doesn't hit the ball hard, and his plate discipline is poor. However, Rafaela is just 24 years old and plays Gold Glove level defense in center field while being able to fill in as a middle infielder. Rafaela's athleticism buys him time to improve on a 31st percentile hard hit rate, 46th percentile barrel rate and 26.4 percent strikeout rate. The hand-eye coordination possessed by elite defenders often translates to the batter's box. Rafaela has the physical tools and opportunity, it's up to him to translate them to better quality and quantity of contact. Read Past Outlooks