Mets eyeing Rafaela as potential center field solution
The Mets are searching for answers in center field, and Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela might be their solution.
Defense has become New York’s priority in center, especially with Juan Soto’s limited range in right field. They traded for Jose Siri to address this need, but he’s now sidelined indefinitely with a left tibia fracture.
While many fans are looking at Chicago’s Luis Robert Jr. as the obvious trade target, there’s a younger, more cost-controlled option emerging from Boston.
The Red Sox may soon need to make room for top outfield prospect Roman Anthony, potentially making the 24-year-old Rafaela expendable. What makes Rafaela particularly interesting is his contract situation – he’s already signed to a $50 million extension through 2031 (with a club option for 2032).
Newsweek’s Jon Vankin suggested Friday that Rafaela could be the perfect trade target for the Mets’ center field dilemma.
“The Mets need a centerfielder, and the Red Sox have one in 24-year-old Curaçao native Ceddanne Rafaela, who has already proven himself one of the top defensive players in MLB at the crucial position,” Vankin wrote.
“With (Jarren) Duran… easily able to shift back into center and Anthony on the way, Rafaela appears expendable from the Red Sox’s perspective. The question for the Mets may only be what price in prospects they believe the elite defender is worth.”
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The timing is tricky, though. Rafaela’s bat has gone cold this season, making him both harder for Boston to trade and less appealing for New York. He’s currently slashing a disappointing .211/.274/.246 in 62 plate appearances. That said, his defense has been nothing short of Platinum Glove-worthy.
If Rafaela’s offense picks up even slightly and the Red Sox still see him as the odd man out with Anthony’s arrival looming, there’s a realistic scenario where these teams could find common ground on a deal.
