With just 38 major league games under his belt, center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela has agreed to a contract extension with the Boston Red Sox, MassLive and MLB.com reported Monday.
It will be an eight-year deal worth $50 million, per MLB.com’s report, meaning Rafaela will be in Boston through the 2031 season, pending a physical.
The Red Sox have not yet confirmed the extension.
Rafaela, Boston’s No. 4 prospect according to MLB.com, won the starting job in center field in spring training but can also play shortstop.
With Trevor Story landing on the 10-day injured list on Saturday due to a shoulder injury, the Red Sox are contemplating a move to shortstop for Rafaela, per The Athletic.
In 10 games this season, the 23-year-old Rafaela is hitting .233 with two triples, six runs and five RBIs.
Along with 24-year-old right-hander Brayan Bello (six years, $55 million), Rafaela — who debuted with Boston last August — would be the second young player the Red Sox have locked up with a long-term deal this spring.
–Field Level Media
