Rob Refsnyder’s time in Boston might not have started with fanfare, but it certainly ended with respect. When the Red Sox picked him up on a minor league deal back in 2022, few expected much from the then-journeyman outfielder.
He’d bounced around five different teams, trying to find a consistent role in the majors. But in Boston, he finally carved out a niche - and did it well.
Refsnyder became a reliable weapon against left-handed pitching, settling into a valuable platoon role. He wasn’t a star, but he was the kind of player every contending team needs: dependable, smart at the plate, and steady in the clubhouse. His ability to punish southpaws gave the Red Sox lineup some much-needed balance, and for a time, it looked like he might stick around a bit longer.
But that chapter has officially closed. On December 22, the Seattle Mariners announced they’ve signed Refsnyder to a one-year deal worth $6.25 million. That’s a solid payday for a 35-year-old role player - and a sign that Seattle values what he brings to the table.
There had been some buzz earlier in the offseason about a possible reunion with Boston, but the writing was on the wall. After the Winter Meetings, reports indicated that a return was unlikely. The Red Sox have been cautious with their spending, and with Refsnyder on the wrong side of 30, he didn’t quite fit their current blueprint.
That blueprint includes younger, more versatile options. Romy González, for instance, has emerged as another right-handed bat who can handle lefties.
And the team has made it clear they want to give Wilyer Abreu more chances against southpaws in 2025. In other words, the role Refsnyder once filled is now being passed to the next wave.
For Seattle, though, this is a savvy pickup. They’re getting a veteran hitter who knows his job and executes it well. Refsnyder won’t be the face of the franchise, but he’ll be a useful piece in their lineup puzzle - especially in matchups where they need a righty bat to do damage.
Refsnyder’s journey has been anything but linear, but it’s a testament to his perseverance and adaptability. From a minor league flyer to a key contributor in Boston, and now a new opportunity in Seattle - he’s still finding ways to stay relevant in a game that doesn’t make it easy.