Red Sox Reportedly Sign Elite Prospect To Contract Extension In Surprise Move

Boston reportedly signed another member of its young core to an extension

Apr 7, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (43) hits an RBI / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox certainly have a bright future.

The last few years haven't been kind to Boston, but the club is loaded with exciting young talent and isn't far away from becoming a postseason team once again.

Boston has struggled to retain homegrown talent but has had a shift in policy since hiring Craig Breslow to be the club's chief baseball officer and has started to change its ways. The Red Sox signed starter Brayan Bello to an extension during the offseason and now reportedly have signed young utility man Ceddanne Rafaela to an extension of his own, according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo.

"Weeks after signing right-hander Brayan Bello to a six-year extension, the Red Sox are about to lock up another member of their young core," Cotillo said. "Boston has reached an agreement on a contract extension with Ceddanne Rafaela, a source told MassLive on Monday.

"Terms are unknown at this point but the deal is expected to become official in the coming days. Rafaela, 23, has only appeared in 38 career (Major League Baseball) games and was not set to be eligible for free agency until after the 2029 season. Most likely, Rafaela’s deal gives the Red Sox control over him past that point in time."

Rumors swirled around the time of Bello's extension but Rafaela's comes somewhat as a surprise. There haven't been rumors lately about a possible move, but the club has made it clear that it is interested in rewarding its core with extensions.

Rafaela has been solid so far this season for Boston and it sounds like he will be with the club for the foreseeable future.

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