Opting for an AL-only league format can transform your fantasy baseball experience, making drafts feel more intense and high-stakes due to a limited player pool. However, with this excitement comes the risk of missteps that could jeopardize your season. To navigate these waters, cautious selection of hitters is crucial. This article highlights five hitters to avoid in AL-only leagues, providing insights into their potential risks and performance metrics.

Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela, with an ADP of 173, presents significant risk due to subpar advanced metrics despite decent counting stats. Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles is also a name to steer clear of, as an influx of talent has diminished his fantasy value significantly. Trevor Story and Anthony Santander, both of the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays respectively, pose similar concerns with their fluctuating performances. Lastly, while Jose Altuve remains a reliable second baseman, signs of decline may make him less appealing in the upcoming season.

The Boston Red Sox are making a concerted effort to change their approach to player development and contract negotiations. Critics have pointed to past missteps with homegrown talents like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts, prompting a shift in strategy.

Recently, the organization extended Rafael Devers with a massive 10-year, $313.5 million deal, signaling their intent to retain core players. They also locked in contract extensions for promising talents like Brayan Bello and Ceddanne Rafaela, while engaging in talks with Garrett Crochet about a potential deal.

Moreover, the Red Sox are exploring extensions for their top prospects, including Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer, even before they reach the majors. Anthony expressed enthusiasm about the possibility, stating that while these discussions haven't occurred yet, he would love to remain with the Red Sox, the team he has grown to admire.

Boston Red Sox fans who received a Ceddanne Rafaela jersey this Christmas may need to consider a swap, as the rookie has officially changed his jersey number. Rafaela, along with teammates David Hamilton and Nick Sogard, made the announcement via the team's transaction log. After debuting in August 2023 while wearing No. 43, Rafaela will now don the iconic No. 3 moving forward.

Rafaela's transition to No. 3 comes after he signed a lucrative eight-year, $50 million contract extension with the Red Sox in April, which includes a $16 million team option for 2032. His rookie season saw him achieve a batting average of .246 with a .664 OPS, hitting 15 home runs, driving in 75 runs, stealing 19 bases, and posting a 2.8 WAR across 152 games. Notably, he became the first rookie in MLB's modern era to play 87 games in center field and 82 at shortstop.

The previous holder of No. 3, Reese McGuire, was designated for assignment in July 2024, allowing Rafaela to take over the number. Other past players who wore No. 3 for the Red Sox include Jonathan Araúz, José Peraza, Sandy León, and Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx. Meanwhile, Hamilton and Sogard are also changing their numbers, with Hamilton moving from No. 70 to No. 17 and Sogard from No. 75 to No. 20.

The Boston Red Sox are actively pursuing free agent outfielder Anthony Santander, as reported by MLB insider Mike Rodriguez. This move comes amid their ongoing interest in superstar Juan Soto, whose free agency decision is imminent.

Additionally, the Red Sox are considering Teoscar Hernández as another option, although competition from the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees is strong. Santander's market is more open, especially after Tyler O’Neill's signing with the Baltimore Orioles, which limits his options.

Coming off a stellar season with the Orioles, Santander's impressive stats include 44 home runs and a Silver Slugger Award. Predictions suggest he could secure a lucrative contract, with estimates ranging from $80 million to $105 million over several years.