Incoming Hall of Famer Praises Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela

Jones, like Rafaela, is also a native of Curaçao who also coached Rafaela with Team Netherlands in this year’s World Baseball Classic.

The moment was certainly surreal for Rafaela, as he had looked up to Jones during his playing days, most notably with the Atlanta Braves. Jones joins Carlos Beltrán and Jeff Kent in this year's Hall of Fame class.

“Obviously, I inspired a lot of kids in Curaçao,” Jones said. “We had a lot of infielders coming up through the minor leagues. Finally, we’re getting some outfielders. Seeing him go out there and do what he’s doing and trying to take a piece of what I did, it’s awesome."

“The instinct he (has), the passion of going out there and not making mistakes, that’s why he won a Gold Glove," Jones added. "Watching him this year in the WBC, the first time in-person, I saw everything I needed to see of how good he is. Proud of him. He put the work this offseason and came out here and showed it. That’s why he’s in the All-Star Game right now.”

The Red Sox called up Rafaela during the 2023 season, and the outfielder has not looked back. After winning his first career Gold Glove last year, the 25-year-old was selected to his first career All-Star Game, after hitting .281 with eight home runs, 39 RBI, 22 doubles and a .761 OPS in 90 games.

“He’s gonna be a great one,” Jones said. “I’m just happy for him to get the opportunity to show his talent that he has. When Boston called him up, I was so proud of him, knowing how the journey took, waiting to get there. Just proud being a native of Curaçao, fellow center fielder, him winning a Gold Glove.”

The Red Sox and Rafaela will now look to carry the end of their strong first half into the rest of the season and return to the playoffs for a second year in a row.