The center fielder had the biggest offensive impact for the Sox, hitting 2 of 3 with one run. On a day when Boston’s hitters were relatively quiet, recording six singles against Houston’s 13 hits and 25 total bases, Rafaela’s performances at the plate were reliable and he was able to extend his hitting streak to four games.
“Strike zone control is key for him,” manager Alex Cora said. “When he can do that, he’s really good. He’s getting better and better. You see the numbers on the scoreboard and think, ‘Wow, that was a great season.'”
Fans at Fenway Park got a taste of Rafaela’s defensive talent in the second inning when Astros first baseman Zach Dezenzo hit the ball at 100 mph to right-center field and Rafaela dove in for the second out.
The move even surprised Cora, who had expected right fielder Wilyer Abreu to make the play.
“I don’t know what the catch probability was, but I watched (Abreu) and (Rafaela) comes out and makes it,” Cora said. “That’s what’s special about him, he’s a leader in the midfield.”
He may be a leader in center, but what makes Rafaela such a force is also his ability to dominate the infield. This year, he has played 69 games in center field and 62 as shortstop, making him the first player since at least 1901 to play more than 60 games at each position in a season. Rafaela has a fielding percentage of .979 in center field and .962 as shortstop this season.
It’s the 23-year-old’s first full year in the major leagues after a late-season promotion last summer. Rafaela made his MLB debut on August 28, 2023 against the Astros at Fenway, hitting a single in his only batting appearance.
Back in March, MLB.com’s Sam Dykstra called Rafaela a possible contender for the American League Rookie of the Year award, and Rafaela’s performance gave no reason to suggest otherwise. In his final 53 games, he had 20 multiple hits, struck out 65 for 199, and posted a .327 average.
“In fact, his speed plays a big role both offensively and defensively,” said Peter Fatse, Red Sox hitting coach. “When he gets going, he can wreak havoc. So getting on base and having good at-bats is our top priority. And then of course we know what he can do from a damage perspective.”
Through Sunday, Rafaela led AL rookies in RBIs (58), hits (105), runs (59) and total bases (168), while ranking second in home runs (13) and stolen bases (16). He also ranks in the 95th percentile in MLB in arm strength (92.1 mph), 89th in sprint speed (28.9 feet per second) and 83rd in baserunning run value (1).
Rafaela may be a rookie, but his batting averages put him at the forefront of the Sox offense, which Fatse said says a lot about the young player’s talent.
Jarren Duran (143) and Rafael Devers (118) lead the Sox in hits this season, with Rafaela third with 107. Over the last 15 days, Devers has had 17 touches, just ahead of Duran (16) and Rafaela (15). Rafaela and Duran also rank second in RBIs behind Devers with 71.
“The boy does a lot for us,” said Fatse. “He keeps outdoing himself, he keeps pushing himself to the limit and I think we’re all really proud of the type of player he’s been for us.”
Sarah Barber can be reached at [email protected].
