Trevor Story Names Red Sox Teammate His ‘Favorite Player’ To Watch

The Boston Red Sox entered the All-Star break on a 10-game winning streak and now sit three games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the top position in the American League East.

With the Red Sox’s offense surging and the team’s starting pitching emerging, it’s hard to choose one player who has been the clear catalyst for the Red Sox’s head-spinning turnaround. That being said, it’s hard to deny the recent breakout of outfielder/infielder Ceddanne Rafaela, who entered the MLB All-Star break riding a 10-game hitting streak.

Speaking to MLB.com‘s Ian Browne following the Red Sox’s 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, shortstop Trevor Story had high praise for the dynamic 24-year-old slugger’s recent star turn.

“I tell him he’s my favorite player to watch,” said Story, per Browne. “He can do everything on the baseball field. He can run, he can hit, he can throw, and it feels like he can play any position at an elite level. He’s just electric.”

Story, who has also been hot at the plate recently, echoed recent comments from MLB Network’s Mark DeRosa, who broke down many of Rafaela’s adjustments at the plate that have led to his recent success.

Rafaela’s defense was also on display in Sunday’s victory when he nearly made another dazzling catch by recovering the ball and throwing Rays baserunner, Jonathan Aranda, out at third and preventing a run from scoring. Red Sox manager Alex Cora noted Rafaela’s defensive intelligence in being able to get an out on the potentially momentum-shifting play.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” said Cora, per Browne. “I mean, their guys slowed down, but for him to have the presence of mind to get the ball and throw to third base, it was amazing.”