The Seattle Mariners made a savvy move to strengthen their offense against left-handed pitching, signing veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder to a one-year deal. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar pickup that can pay real dividends over a long season-especially for a team looking to make a serious run in the American League.
Refsnyder brings a clear skill set to the table: he hits lefties, and he hits them well. Over his MLB career, he’s posted a .281 average and an .826 OPS against southpaws-numbers that speak for themselves.
Compare that to his .229 average and .633 OPS against right-handers, and the platoon advantage becomes crystal clear. This isn’t just a small-sample fluke, either.
Refsnyder has more than doubled his home run total against lefties compared to righties, despite having fewer at-bats against them. That kind of production in a specialized role is exactly what teams look for when rounding out a competitive roster.
Seattle already boasts a deep lineup, so Refsnyder isn’t coming in to carry the offense. He’s more of a matchup weapon-a luxury piece who can be plugged in when the Mariners face a tough lefty on the mound.
And that’s where his value really shines. He doesn’t just swing it well against lefties; he sees the ball better, too.
His walk-to-strikeout ratio is significantly stronger when facing left-handed pitching, drawing a walk for every 1.5 strikeouts. Against righties, that ratio dips to one walk for every three strikeouts.
That kind of plate discipline adds another layer to his effectiveness in platoon situations.
Defensively, Refsnyder has primarily been an outfielder in recent seasons, splitting time between right and left field. Earlier in his career, he saw some action in the infield, giving the Mariners a bit of positional flexibility if needed. At 34, he’s not being brought in to be a defensive standout, but his experience and versatility offer some depth for a team with postseason aspirations.
Refsnyder’s most recent stint came with the Boston Red Sox, where he played from 2022 through 2025. Before that, he had stretches with the Yankees, Twins, Rays, Blue Jays, and Rangers. He’s been around the league, and that veteran presence could be a quiet asset in a clubhouse aiming for October baseball.
For the Mariners, this move is about fine-tuning. They’re not overhauling the roster-they’re sharpening it.
And in a league where matchups matter more than ever, adding a proven lefty-masher like Refsnyder could be the kind of detail that helps win a few extra games. In a tight playoff race, that can make all the difference.