The Boston Red Sox are just 1.5 games back of the New York Yankees in the American League East. However, a major change could be coming soon.
The Red Sox could face a logjam in the outfield very soon. Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela have been the team's primary outfielders. However, Masataka Yoshida should return soon and Roman Anthony is seemingly ready to debut. The designated hitter spot belongs to Rafael Devers now, complicating the outfield.
Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller suggested that the Red Sox could cut ties with Rafaela to fix their impending logjam.
"That logjam resulted in speculation dating back to this past offseason that the Red Sox might consider trading away Abreu, even after a 2024 campaign in which he won a Gold Glove and placed sixth in the AL Rookie of the Year vote," wrote Miller. "Could they move Rafaela instead, though? Plenty of contenders can't be thrilled with the production they've gotten out of their center fielders thus far this season."
Rafaela signed an eight-year, $50 million extension in 2024. He slashed .246/.274/.390 last season with 15 home runs. He is off to a slow start this year, but he is only 24 years old, and his best baseball could still be in front of him. He also brings versatility defensively, making him more attractive in a trade.
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"Rafaela can also play either middle infield position, so it might actually be quicker to list the teams who wouldn't be interested if he and his team-friendly contract hit the trade block," wrote Miller. "While we wouldn't call Rafaela a slugger, he did hit 15 home runs for Boston last year, as well as at least 20 in the minors in each of 2022 and 2023. And with Duran, Abreu, Anthony, Kristian Campbell, Marcelo Mayer and Trevor Story all under team control through at least 2028, Rafaela might be hitting his future home runs somewhere else if the Red Sox receive an offer they can't refuse."
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