Reports: Red Sox CF Ceddanne Rafaela lands 8-year extension

Field Level Media|published: 04/08/2024, 9:13pm EDT

Apr 7, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (43) is greeted after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. credits: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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