Ceddanne Rafaela has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in Major League Baseball. As a dynamic utility player for the Boston Red Sox, his speed, defensive skills, and versatility have made him a fan favorite.
Since making his MLB debut in 2023, Rafaela has shown flashes of brilliance both at the plate and in the field, earning recognition for his hustle and athleticism. Off the field, his story from Curaçao to the big leagues is inspiring for young athletes everywhere.
Ceddanne Rafaela’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ceddanne Chipper Nicasio Marte Rafaela |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 2000 |
| Age | 24 |
| Education | N/A |
| Nationality | Curaçaoan |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2017 (signed with Red Sox as international free agent) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $4,141,614 |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Elianne Rafaela |
| Children | Expecting a baby boy in 2024 |
| Instagram Profile | @ceddanner |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Ceddanne Rafaela’s journey to professional baseball began on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, where he was born in Willemstad on September 18, 2000. From a young age, Rafaela displayed a passion for baseball, often playing with friends and family in local leagues.
His talent was evident early on, and he gained international attention at just 12 years old when he played in the 2012 Little League World Series as part of the Caribbean team. Scouts quickly noticed his advanced hitting skills, balance, and defensive instincts, comparing his outfield play to MLB great Kenny Lofton.
Rafaela’s performances in youth tournaments fueled his dream of playing professionally. He continued to develop his skills throughout his teenage years, focusing on both offense and defense.
By the time he was 16, Rafaela had become one of the most promising young prospects in Curaçao, attracting the attention of MLB scouts. In July 2017, he signed as an international free agent with the Boston Red Sox, thanks to the efforts of scouts Dennis Neumann, Rolando Pino, and Todd Claus.
After signing, Rafaela began his professional career at the Red Sox’s academy in the Dominican Republic. There, he adjusted to the rigors of professional baseball, learning from coaches and older players.
His first taste of minor league action came in 2018 with the DSL Red Sox, where he quickly made an impact and was named a DSL Mid-Season All-Star. Rafaela’s progress continued as he moved up the minor league ladder, playing for teams like the Lowell Spinners and the Greenville Drive.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a pause in minor league baseball in 2020, but Rafaela returned strong in 2021 with the Salem Red Sox. His performance earned him a promotion to High-A Greenville, and after only 45 games, he was moved up to Double-A with the Portland Sea Dogs.
Rafaela’s defensive skills stood out, and he was named the Red Sox’s minor-league Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. That winter, instead of taking time off, he chose to play in Puerto Rico’s Winter League with the Criollos de Caguas, gaining valuable experience and learning from established professionals.
Professional Career
Ceddanne Rafaela made his Major League Baseball debut with the Boston Red Sox on August 28, 2023. His arrival was highly anticipated, as he had already established a reputation as one of the organization’s most versatile and defensively gifted prospects.
In his first taste of big-league action, Rafaela played in 28 games, hitting .241 with 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases. While his offensive numbers were modest, his speed, energy, and glove work quickly caught the attention of coaches and fans.
The 2024 season marked a turning point for Rafaela. He earned a spot on the Red Sox’s Opening Day roster and became a regular in the lineup, splitting time between center field and shortstop. His versatility was historic: Rafaela became the first player since at least 1901 to play 60 or more games at both shortstop and center field in the same season. This rare feat underscored his defensive value and ability to help the team in multiple ways.
At the plate, Rafaela showed growth and resilience. He finished the 2024 season with a .246 batting average, 15 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases over 152 games. His on-base percentage was .274, and he slugged .390, contributing to a .664 OPS.
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While there were some struggles with strikeouts (151 in 2024), Rafaela’s speed and aggressive base running created opportunities and excitement. He ranked among the top rookies in several statistical categories and was considered a strong candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
Rafaela’s impact went beyond statistics. His hustle, highlight-reel catches, and willingness to play wherever needed made him a leader in the clubhouse. He was recognized with several honors, including being named a MiLB.com Organization All-Star in 2022 and 2023 and earning a Futures Game selection in 2022. His defensive excellence and positive attitude helped the Red Sox stay competitive and energized the fan base.
Wife
Ceddanne Rafaela is married to Elianne Rafaela, who is originally from Puerto Rico. Their relationship has been a significant part of his life, offering support both on and off the field.
Elianne’s Puerto Rican heritage influenced Rafaela’s decision to play winter ball in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente, where he joined the Caguas Criollos, a team with strong ties to the Boston Red Sox organization.
The couple got engaged in 2023, sharing the happy news with friends and family on social media. While the exact date of their marriage is not widely publicized, their bond is evident through their public appearances and posts.
In 2024, they announced they were expecting their first child, a baby boy, sharing joyful moments from their gender reveal party on Instagram. Elianne is active on Instagram under the username @mrs.eafaela_eli, often posting about their life together and supporting Ceddanne’s career.
Ceddanne Rafaela’s Net Worth Details
Ceddanne Rafaela’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million as of 2025.
Contract
Ceddanne Rafaela signed a significant eight-year contract extension with the Boston Red Sox valued at $50 million. The deal includes a $2 million signing bonus and secures Rafaela with the team through the 2031 season, with a club option for 2032 that could increase the total value to $62 million if exercised.
This contract not only provides Rafaela with financial security early in his career but also demonstrates the Red Sox’s strong commitment to his future as a cornerstone player. The agreement features escalating annual salaries and incentives tied to performance milestones, ensuring that Rafaela is rewarded for his continued growth and contributions on the field.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Ceddanne Rafaela’s base salary with the Boston Red Sox is set at $1,000,000, reflecting the early years of his eight-year contract extension. His total payroll salary for the year amounts to $1,250,000, which includes portions of his signing bonus.
As his contract progresses, Rafaela’s annual salary will increase, with scheduled raises in the following seasons, ultimately rewarding his performance and value to the team. This structured salary plan gives Rafaela financial stability while allowing the Red Sox to invest in his development as a key player for the franchise.
Career Earnings
| Year | Age | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Cash Total | Cash Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 16 | – | – | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 2023 | 22 | Red Sox | $131,614 | – | $131,614 | $141,614 |
| 2024 | 23 | Red Sox | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $3,141,614 |
| 2025 | 24 | Red Sox | $1,000,000 | – | $1,000,000 | $4,141,614 |
| 2026 | 25 | Red Sox | $2,000,000 | – | $2,000,000 | $6,141,614 |
| 2027 | 26 | Red Sox | $3,500,000 | – | $3,500,000 | $9,641,614 |
| 2028 | 27 | Red Sox | $5,500,000 | – | $5,500,000 | $15,141,614 |
| 2029 | 28 | Red Sox | $7,500,000 | – | $7,500,000 | $22,641,614 |
| 2030 | 29 | Red Sox | $10,500,000 | – | $10,500,000 | $33,141,614 |
| 2031 | 30 | Red Sox | $13,000,000 | – | $13,000,000 | $46,141,614 |
| 2032 | 31 | Red Sox | $4,000,000* | – | $4,000,000 | $50,141,614 |
MLB Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Boston Red Sox | 28 | 83 | 11 | 20 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 3 | .241 | .281 | .386 | .667 |
| 2024 | Boston Red Sox | 152 | 544 | 70 | 134 | 23 | 5 | 15 | 75 | 19 | .246 | .274 | .390 | .664 |
| 2025* | Boston Red Sox | 28 | 94 | 17 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 15 | 7 | .213 | .279 | .319 | .598 |
| Career | 208 | 721 | 98 | 174 | 29 | 6 | 19 | 95 | 29 | .241 | .276 | .380 | .656 |
FAQs
1. Who is Ceddanne Rafaela and which team does he play for?
Ceddanne Rafaela is a Curaçaoan professional baseball player who plays as a utility player for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball. He made his MLB debut with the Red Sox on August 28, 2023, and is known for his defensive versatility and athleticism.
2. What positions does Ceddanne Rafaela play?
Ceddanne Rafaela is primarily a center fielder but is considered a utility player due to his ability to play multiple positions, including shortstop and other infield spots. His versatility allows the Red Sox to use him in various defensive roles throughout the season.
3. When and where was Ceddanne Rafaela born?
Ceddanne Rafaela was born on September 18, 2000, in Willemstad, Curaçao. He grew up in Curaçao and began playing baseball at a young age, representing his home country in international youth competitions.
4. How did Ceddanne Rafaela start his professional baseball career?
Rafaela began his professional career after signing with the Boston Red Sox as an international free agent in 2017. He started in the minor leagues with the DSL Red Sox rookie affiliate team at age 17 and worked his way up through the Red Sox farm system.
5. What are Ceddanne Rafaela’s MLB career statistics as of April 2025?
Ceddanne Rafaela has played in 713 MLB games with a batting average of .244, 19 home runs, 95 runs batted in, and 28 stolen bases. He continues to develop as a hitter while providing value with his speed and defense.
6. Has Ceddanne Rafaela received any notable awards or honors?
Rafaela has earned several minor league honors, including DSL Mid-Season All-Star in 2018, SAL Player of the Week in 2022, selection to the 2022 Futures Game, and being named a MiLB.com Organization All-Star for the Boston Red Sox in both 2022 and 2023.
7. What is Ceddanne Rafaela’s height and physical profile?
Ceddanne Rafaela stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall. Despite being shorter than many MLB players, he is known for his quickness, agility, and strong defensive instincts, which make him a standout in the outfield and infield.
8. What is Ceddanne Rafaela’s background in youth baseball?
Before turning professional, Rafaela played for Team Curaçao in the 2012 Little League World Series, where his team finished with a 2-2 record. This early experience on an international stage helped shape his competitive spirit and baseball skills.
9. How has Ceddanne Rafaela performed in recent MLB seasons?
Rafaela posted a .253 batting average with 15 home runs and 17 stolen bases, showing flashes of offensive potential. He has experienced both hot streaks and slumps but remains a promising young player with room to grow.
10. What is Ceddanne Rafaela’s jersey number and has it changed?
Ceddanne Rafaela currently wears number 3 for the Boston Red Sox. He has previously worn different numbers, including 42 and 43, but as of April 2025, he is listed with number 3 on the Red Sox roster.
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