The Boston Red Sox have been red hot at the plate in recent games. If Ceddanne Rafaela continues to develop offensively, he could end up as one of the best players in the American League one day. The rookie went 4-for-4 in Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs and recorded a home run, a stolen base, seven RBI, three runs, and two doubles. What a wild performance for the 23-year-old playing in his second major league season. It was a superb and massive performance that big-name players could take some lessons on. So far this season, Rafaela has three home runs, four walks, 17 RBI, 18 hits and 14 runs.
A 7-RBI day for Ceddanne Rafaela.
pic.twitter.com/EKWeL1JB2q
— MLB (@MLB) April 27, 2024
Ceddanne Rafaela On a Tear Offensively
It was only a matter of time before Rafaela figured it out at the dish. The Red Sox are now sitting in third place in the AL East standings and are 6-4 in their last 10 games. What’s unbelievable is that his OPS is only in the .500s. Rafaela has a stance and swing that are a bit reminiscent of Mookie Betts. He has been successful against the fastball, and if pitchers continue to let the rookie get hot, the sky is the limit for him. It’s no surprise that Rafaela is also the leader on the Red Sox in RBI given his hot start. While his bat is still a work in progress, the young shortstop is showing everyone that he is getting more comfortable at the plate since debuting in 2023. His recent hard contact could be a sign of him continuing to break out offensively. He hit a home run 411 feet deep in Saturday’s game against the Cubs, and Fenway Park was buzzing with happiness.
Red Sox RBI leaders in 2024:
1. Ceddanne Rafaela – 17
2. Wilyer Abreu – 11
3. Jarren Duran – 11
4. Tyler O’Neill – 11
5. Connor Wong – 11
6. Masataka Yoshida – 11
7. Triston Casas – 10
8. Reese McGuire – 10
9. Enmanuel Valdez – 10
10. Rafael Devers – 77 RBI in one day goes a… pic.twitter.com/HQOvmfljye
— Tyler Milliken
(@tylermilliken_) April 28, 2024
Rafaela Is Turning Heads
The difference between Ceddanne Rafaela’s arm and David Hamilton’s arm is MASSIVE. pic.twitter.com/FXtpbQYyxj
— Tyler Milliken
Did the Red Sox underpay Rafaela for his extension? The question has to be asked. Rafaela is the youngest player ever to have a game with 4+ hits, 7+ RBI, and a stolen base. He’s the first to have such a game since Trevor Story in 2022. Other than Rafaela, another rookie to go 4-for-4 (or better) with 7+ RBI and a stolen base was Bo Jackson, who at the time played for the Kansas City Royals (4/14/1987). The rookie looks so smooth, relaxed, and natural out there at shortstop. He surely deserves to be the everyday shortstop. No more shuffling around for this youngster. Will he continue hitting his stride at the plate? He can certainly make a stronger case for himself if he continues playing how he’s been.
Photo Credit: © Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
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