The Boston Red Sox' brass is reportedly set to meet this weekend to discuss the role of top prospect Ceddanne Rafaela.
Rafaela is an elite defensive outfielder, and manager Alex Cora has previously only wanted him to make the club as an outfielder, despite his ability to play second or short as well.
However, heading into 2024, the team is dealing with injuries to both utility outfielder Rob Refsnyder and second baseman Vaughn Grissom. Perhaps Rafaela could fill in at second? Perhaps he could play center, with the rest of the outfield shifting around in Refsnyder's absence.
Those will be the questions that are asked at this meeting, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com:
While Rafaela’s best position is center field, he is also comfortable at shortstop and second base.
Cora said that an organizational meeting is planned for this weekend, and utilizing Rafaela’s versatility is a topic that could come up.
With Vaughn Grissom set to start the season on the injured list with a left groin injury, Rafaela’s ability to play second base could come in handy.
“We’re going to meet over the weekend to go over a few things. Maybe we make adjustments,” Cora said. “We know he can play short. We know he can play second. How we can balance the roster so we can take advantage of this spot [vacated by Refsnyder]?”
The 23-year-old Rafaela made his major league debut last season, hitting .241 with five RBI and three stolen bases over 83 at-bats.
He enters the season as the No. 4 prospect in the organization, per MLB.com.
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