The Red Sox have a hole to fill at shortstop after trading Kiké Hernández to the Dodgers this week. Luckily, they have a great candidate waiting in the wings.
Ceddanne Rafaela is Boston’s No. 2 prospect, according to MLB.com. The 22-year-old plays both shortstop and centerfield and has rocketed through the system after starting last season at High A Greenville. He was promoted to Double A Portland midway through last season and got called up to Triple A Worcester on June 28. While Rafaela is a well-rounded player, his best attribute might be his speed. And not only is he fast on the base paths—he’s remarkably aggressive.
Rafaela showed off that willingness to take the extra base in Thursday night’s game against the Rochester Red Wings. When José Ureña threw a pitch in the dirt, Rafaela took off for second. And he didn’t stop there. Catcher Drew Millas’s throw was wide and went into the outfield, allowing Rafaela to go to third. When center fielder Derek Hill casually lobbed the ball back to the infield, Rafaela took advantage and dashed for home.
