Boston Red Sox
Ceddanne Rafaela was selected to the squad to replace the injured Aaron Judge.
Ceddanne Rafaela is an All-Star for the first time since debuting in 2023. AP Photo/Steven Senne
July 10, 2026 | 6:01 PM
2 minutes to read
One of the several initial Boston Red Sox 2026 MLB All-Star Game snubs has earned a spot on the American League squad.
Outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela was named to the team on Friday, replacing Aaron Judge, the injured New York Yankees OF. This is the first All-Star selection of Rafaela’s career since debuting in 2023.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy announced Rafaela’s All-Star selection on the team’s grounded plane Friday afternoon, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Rafaela joins first baseman Willson Contreras, starting pitcher Ranger Suarez, and closer Aroldis Chapman as the fourth Red Sox All-Star on a loaded A.L. team.
Amidst a roller coaster season for the Red Sox, who are riding a six-game win streak and are 11-2 in their last 13 games, Rafaela has quietly been one of Boston’s most consistent players both offensively and defensively.
The 25-year-old center fielder is posting the best numbers of his career at the plate. Through 87 games, he’s slashing .283/.330/.438 with a .768 OPS, eight home runs, and 39 RBI.
Rafaela’s strikeout percentage is also at a career low (19.5). He’s struck out 69 times through 329 at-bats, a sign of major progress for the hitter who long had trouble identifying which pitches to swing at and which ones to leave alone near the strike zone.
Additionally, his 4.8 walk percentage is tied for the best of his four-year career.
Rafaela has continued to be a magician in center, too. He’s committed just one error across 734.1 innings and has made his usual fair share of highlight reel catches.
In fact, he capped off Boston’s sweep of the Chicago White Sox with another masterful grab in Thursday’s series finale, in which the Red Sox won 2-1.
With one out in the bottom of the ninth inning as the team attempted to complete its second consecutive series sweep and win its sixth straight contest, Rafaela made a stellar diving grab to secure the second out.
Rafaela is a one-time Gold Glove Award winner (2025) and could well be on his way to earning his second this season.
On top of his reliable day-to-day performances, Rafaela has simply made himself available. He’s missed just four games this season, a familiar trend compared to the rest of his career. He played 152 games in his first full season with the Red Sox in 2024, and suited up for 156 games last year.
Considering Boston’s poor luck with injuries, including those affecting Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet, Rafaela’s health has been a welcome part of Boston’s 2026 season.
Rafaela’s all-around success in the first half has helped make him a top-of-the-lineup mainstay. Once a No. 9 hitter with potential to move up a couple of spots, he’s become a legitimate threat at the plate.
Kaley Brown
Kaley Brown is a sports producer for Boston.com, where she covers the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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