Ceddanne Rafaela more than deserved his first All-Star nod

Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela more than deserved his first All-Star nod

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jul 10, 2026 4:59 PM ET

Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela has earned his first All-Star selection following his strong performance this season. The 25-year-old is batting .283 with eight home runs, 39 RBI and possesses solid speed with 12 stolen bases (29.1 ft/s sprint speed).

The 2025 Gold Glove winner has continued to provide the Red Sox with high-caliber defense in center field with an impressive 12 Outs Above Average (OAA) that sits in the 99th percentile and a 91.9 mph arm strength that sits in the 92nd percentile.

Rafaela's top-tier defense was on full display in the Red Sox's 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

In the bottom of the ninth inning with one out, Rafaela took a hit away from Braden Montgomery by making a spectacular diving catch in center. The play had a 5% catch probability, illustrating how Rafaela illustrates solid range and is a defensive game-changer.

How ridiculous was this grab from Ceddanne Rafaela? 5% catch probability.

Rafaela is tied for the 2nd-most 5 Star catches in 2026 with Pete Crow-Armstrong. pic.twitter.com/bUYYmlvqKN
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) July 10, 2026

The AL is finally recognizing Ceddanne Rafaela

In addition to Rafaela, the Red Sox also have Aroldis Chapman, Willson Contreras and Ranger Suarez going to the All-Star Game. But Suarez has been replaced by Nick Martinez as he is dealing with a left groin strain and was placed on the 15-day injured list on Thursday. Like Martinez, Rafaela is also serving as an injury replacement for Aaron Judge, as he continues to deal with a lingering rib injury.

Rafaela has been one of the top outfielders in the AL this season, and his 3.9 bWAR ranks third among position players in the AL. His .283 batting average, 93 hits and 15 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) all rank first among AL center fielders. His 21 doubles, 12 stolen bases and 2.6 WAR rank second among AL center fielders.

His hard work has undeniably paid off as he has shown an improvement in laying off breaking balls outside of the strike zone, which has transformed his offense.

He more than deserves his All-Star nod.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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