Curaçao Native Ceddanne Rafaela Aims Higher After Gold Glove Win

Rafaela looks to join Team Netherlands at World Baseball Classic and capture Platinum Glove award.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Boston Red Sox utility player Ceddanne Rafaela, a 23-year-old from Curaçao, is looking forward to two major milestones in the coming months: joining the World Baseball Classic roster for Team Netherlands, where he will play alongside his longtime idol and mentor Xander Bogaerts, and achieving the top defensive honor of the Platinum Glove award after winning his first career Gold Glove in 2025.

Why it matters

Rafaela's rise reflects the growing representation of Caribbean players from the Netherlands' territories in Major League Baseball, and his bond with Bogaerts underlines how mentorship and shared culture can inspire the next generation. Rafaela's defensive versatility and ambition to elevate his game add excitement to his future with the Red Sox and Team Netherlands.

The details

Rafaela, who began as a middle infielder in the Red Sox minor leagues, grew up admiring Bogaerts, the Red Sox legend from Aruba. Despite debuting for Boston in 2023, after Bogaerts had moved on to the San Diego Padres, Rafaela has since displayed versatility, playing multiple positions and earning his first career start at shortstop, the same position Bogaerts held for the Red Sox. In 2024, Rafaela distinguished himself as the only player in MLB's Modern Era to log at least 60 games at both shortstop and center field in the same season, showcasing exceptional versatility and athleticism. Playing exclusively in center field in 2025, Rafaela's skill earned him his first career Gold Glove.

  • Rafaela made his MLB debut for the Boston Red Sox in the summer of 2023.
  • Rafaela earned his first career Gold Glove award in 2025.
  • Rafaela will join Team Netherlands' roster for the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Ceddanne Rafaela

A 23-year-old utility player for the Boston Red Sox, born in Curaçao and known for his defensive versatility and prowess.

Xander Bogaerts

A Red Sox legend from Aruba, who has won two World Series titles, five Silver Slugger awards, and made four All-Star appearances during his decade with Boston.

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What they’re saying

“I've always looked up to the player he is, the human he is. I think he's one person always. Doesn't matter how he's doing on the field, I think you always see him being nice to the people, he's being one of the best teammates, that's what I've heard. So I think those type of things are the things I really appreciate about him.”

— Ceddanne Rafaela (The Herald)

“Obviously he's a mentor for a lot of kids back home in Curacao and Aruba. And I'm close to him, and to learn from him, I'm very excited.”

— Ceddanne Rafaela (The Herald)

“Obviously sometimes you hope to do more. But you have to be grateful for what the man above gave you, and I'm really grateful for what I've been doing in my career. I aim for more. That's the goal, to win another (Gold Glove) and then to win the Platinum this year.”

— Ceddanne Rafaela (The Herald)

What’s next

Rafaela will join the World Baseball Classic roster for Team Netherlands, where he will have the chance to play alongside his mentor, Xander Bogaerts. He also aims to capture the Platinum Glove award, which honors the single best defender in each league, after winning his first career Gold Glove in 2025.

The takeaway

Ceddanne Rafaela's rise reflects the growing influence of Caribbean players from the Netherlands' territories in Major League Baseball, and his bond with Xander Bogaerts underscores the power of mentorship and shared cultural heritage to inspire the next generation of talent. Rafaela's defensive versatility and drive for continued excellence make him an exciting player to watch as he aims for even greater accolades.