Kiner-Falefa Urges Red Sox to Keep Rafaela in Center Field

New Red Sox infielder highlights Rafaela's defensive value in the outfield.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the newly signed infielder for the Boston Red Sox, has publicly expressed his preference for Ceddanne Rafaela to remain in center field. Kiner-Falefa emphasized the importance of maintaining defensive stability, as Rafaela is a two-time Gold Glove center fielder and one of the top defensive players in MLB.

Why it matters

The Red Sox's infield has experienced inconsistency, increasing the need for a reliable and defense-oriented outfield to prevent costly errors and reduce runs allowed. Keeping Rafaela in center field, along with strong defensive players in the other outfield positions, could solidify the Red Sox's overall defensive capabilities.

The details

With the Red Sox's recent acquisition of Caleb Durbin and other infielders, questions arose about whether Rafaela might shift to the infield, potentially second base, to address positional demands. However, Kiner-Falefa, known for his defensive skills, reinforced the idea that Rafaela should stay in center field, where he has excelled as a two-time Gold Glove winner and one of the top defensive players in the league.

  • On February 9, the Boston Red Sox bolstered their infield depth by acquiring Caleb Durbin and two other infielders from the Milwaukee Brewers.
  • In 2025, Rafaela recorded 21 outs above average, placing him in the 99th percentile, alongside 20 defensive runs saved and 92nd percentile arm strength.

The players

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

A newly signed infielder for the Boston Red Sox, known for his defensive skills and who has publicly expressed his preference for Ceddanne Rafaela to remain in center field.

Ceddanne Rafaela

A two-time Gold Glove center fielder for the Boston Red Sox, ranked among MLB's top defenders despite only two seasons in the league.

Caleb Durbin

An infielder acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Milwaukee Brewers, addressing a key roster need.

Jarren Duran

A regular starting outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, known for his strong defensive capabilities.

Roman Anthony

A regular starting outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, known for his strong defensive capabilities.

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What they’re saying

“I was joking around with Rafaela today, hoping he just plays one spot so he can't qualify for the utility Gold Glove.”

— Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Red Sox infielder (Twitter)

“Not many people can do it. You see the Kikés, Chris Taylors, Brock Holts, these guys who have had so much success. They're valuable, valuable players.”

— Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Red Sox infielder (Twitter)

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to fine-tune their roster, and maintaining strong defensive positions like center field will be vital for their competitiveness in the coming season.

The takeaway

By keeping Rafaela in center field, the Red Sox aim to solidify the outfield as a defensive backbone, crucial amid the infield's ongoing adjustments. This strategy could reduce run prevention issues and provide greater consistency moving forward, enhancing the team's overall defensive potential.