Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela named AL MVP candidate by ESPN with Yordan Alvarez problem

Center fielder Ceddane Rafaela has been one of the top players for the Boston Red Sox as they've returned to postseason contention. Rafaela is one of the top defensive outfielders in baseball and has had a career year at the plate. Recently, ESPN ranked him as the 27th-best player in the Majors for the 2026 season. Jorge Castillo went as far as to say that he should receive American League MVP consideration. "As one of the premier defenders in baseball, the floor for Rafaela was always considered high. His offense, always streaky, would determine the ceiling. This season, the ceiling is MVP-caliber-high," Castillo wrote. Rafaela has 16 defensive runs saved and 14 outs above average in center field. He earned his first All-Star selection thanks to a mix of power and speed that has produced