Ceddanne Rafaela has earned an All-Star replacement spot with his breakout for the Red Sox originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Boston Red Sox have been surging lately, winning nine of their last 11 games, and sweeping in two of three series. Their pitching has been elite, but now their bats are starting to finally come alive as well.
Willson Contreras is the lifeblood of their offense, and he was finally noticed for his play when he was announced as an injury replacement All-Star. Now, Boston has another star breaking out offensively that should join Contreras as an All-Star replacement: outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela.
Rafaela is breaking out this season
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Rafaela has always been a top tier defender, as he was awarded a Gold Glove for center field last season, and is on his way to run it back. Now, his offense is catching up to.
He has been trending upwards offensively his whole career, but this season is truly a breakout. He went from hitting around .240 to slashing .284/.331/.441/.773 with 20 doubles, three triples, eight home runs, 38 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in 85 games.
If he can keep this up, he will break his career-high records in doubles, triples, RBI, and stolen bases, while tying his home run record.
Rafaela should be named an All-Star
© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
With that in mind, Rafaela should’ve been named an All-Star before injury replacements. Now, with Aaron Judge and Byron Buxton both out with injury after being named All-Stars, there’s no reason for Rafaela to be left out anymore.
Of all the American League players not named All-Stars, Rafaela has the highest fWAR and bWAR with a 2.8 and 3.6 respectively. This includes all positions as well, not just outfielders.
The future is bright for Rafaela
© David Butler II-Imagn Images
So, Rafaela being named an All-Star replacement isn’t that unthinkable. In fact, it makes a lot of sense.
This would give him his first All-Star appearance, and he is also on his way to get a second gold glove at center field, with an OAA of 11, the highest in the American League. He also has a DRS of 15, the third highest in baseball, and the second-highest in the AL, just behind his teammate Wilyer Abreu.
At just 25 years old, Rafaela could have two Gold Gloves and an All-Star appearance to his name. Hopefully, this comes true, and Rafaela becomes a true franchise cornerstone for the Red Sox.
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