Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe recently reported that Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela has officially committed to play for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
“I’m excited about it,” said Rafaela, who hails from Curaçao. “When [Jones] asked me, of course I wanted to.”
Ceddanne Rafaela has been one of the breakout stars of the 2025 MLB season. Through mid-July, he’s slashing .271/.313/.475 with 13 home runs—just two shy of the 15 he hit all of last year.
While his bat has been solid, it’s his defense in center field that has truly stood out. Rafaela leads MLB in both outs above average (15, tied for first) and defensive runs saved in center (14, also tied for first among all outfielders). After a strong showing in 2024, he has elevated his game to become one of the premier defensive center fielders in the league this season.
Rafaela has been on a tear as of late, going 14-for-31 with four home runs, six doubles, and 13 RBIs during Boston’s nine-game win streak.
In the 2026 WBC, Rafaela will anchor down center field for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Pool D, hosted in Miami. With the previous generation of Dutch national team stars nearing retirement or stepping away, Rafaela represents the next wave of talent ready to lead.
A human highlight reel in center field, he’s expected to be a key piece for the team, especially if the Netherlands can pull off an upset against the likes of powerhouses Dominican Republic or Venezuela.
Rafaela joins San Diego Padres infielder Xander Bogaerts as confirmed commitments to the Dutch squad. Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is also expected to be part of the roster.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands will open their 2026 World Baseball Classic campaign on March 6, against Venezuela in what promises to be a critical matchup. They’ll also face Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Israel in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive Pool D.
WBN WBC: https://worldbaseball.com/league/wbc/
Photo: Boston Red Sox’s Ceddanne Rafaela reacts after hitting a two-run walkoff home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, July 11, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
