Rob Refsnyder Could Be the Savvy Depth Move the Cubs Need in 2026
While the spotlight in Chicago has mostly been on the Cubs’ pursuit of frontline pitching - and for good reason - the offseason to-do list doesn’t end at the mound. Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins are tasked with a full bullpen rebuild and a rotation refresh after a postseason run that exposed some real depth issues. But just as pressing is the need to fortify the lineup and bench, especially with some key bats heading out the door.
Kyle Tucker, who made a big impression in his lone season with the Cubs, is now hitting free agency. That’s a major offensive hole to fill.
And when you look at the numbers from the bench in 2025, it’s clear that group didn’t offer much in the way of support. Chicago needs more than just star power - it needs reliable, versatile contributors who can step in when the grind of a 162-game season inevitably takes its toll.
Enter Rob Refsnyder.
The veteran utilityman is coming off a strong four-year run with the Red Sox, and according to recent reports, a return to Boston is considered unlikely. That opens the door for a team like the Cubs to swoop in - and make no mistake, Refsnyder checks a lot of boxes for what this roster needs.
Let’s start with the bat. In close to 1,000 plate appearances with Boston, Refsnyder slashed a very respectable .276/.364/.440, good for a 123 OPS+.
In 2025, he posted an .838 OPS - a number that would’ve stood out on a Cubs bench that struggled to produce much of anything. That kind of offensive consistency, especially from a part-time role, is exactly what Craig Counsell could use as he looks to keep his starters fresh throughout the season.
But Refsnyder brings more than just a quality bat. Defensively, he offers true versatility.
Over the last few seasons, he’s played all three outfield spots and logged time at DH. Earlier in his career, he handled infield duties as well.
That kind of flexibility is gold for a manager trying to navigate injuries, matchups, and the inevitable dog days of summer.
He’s also a smart, disciplined hitter. Refsnyder doesn’t chase much, draws his fair share of walks, and brings a strong arm to the outfield. He’s the kind of player who raises your floor - maybe not a headline-grabber, but a steady presence who can make a real difference over the course of a long season.
Adding him to the mix would allow the Cubs to ease the pressure on their young outfield trio of Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki. It would also give them the flexibility to shift Matt Shaw into a utility role if needed, especially if the front office pulls off a surprise move like signing Alex Bregman. And if prospects like Owen Caissie or Moises Ballesteros get moved in a trade, Refsnyder’s value only increases.
The Cubs are clearly aiming to contend in 2026, and that means building a roster that can withstand the inevitable wear and tear. Big-name additions will grab headlines, but it’s the under-the-radar moves - the smart, steady pickups like Refsnyder - that often make the difference between a good team and a great one.
He may not be the flashiest name on the board, but Rob Refsnyder looks like a perfect fit for what this Cubs team needs right now: experience, versatility, and a bat that can still do some damage.