The New York Mets seem to be dipping into the Yankees’ alumni pool once again, and while it's not exactly a full-on reunion tour, there's a clear trend forming. From Clay Holmes-who turned out to be a solid pickup-to Frankie Montas, whose detour between boroughs didn’t pan out quite as well, the Mets have had mixed results mining former Yankees for value. Now, with names like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver floating around, the question is: can the Mets strike gold again?
Let’s zoom in on one name that could quietly move the needle-Rob Refsnyder. No, he hasn’t worn pinstripes since 2017, but he’s spent his recent years in Boston carving out a niche as a dependable bat against left-handed pitching. That happens to be an area where the Mets could use a boost.
The Lefty Problem
Last season, the Mets struggled mightily against southpaws. They hit just .236 against lefties-ranking 19th in MLB-and their .696 OPS wasn’t much better, sitting at 17th.
That’s not the kind of production you want when you’re trying to build a playoff-caliber lineup. Jorge Polanco held his own in those matchups, but beyond him, the Mets lacked consistent right-handed threats who could punish left-handed pitching.
That’s where Refsnyder comes in.
What Refsnyder Brings to the Table
Refsnyder isn’t a star, but he’s carved out a clear identity in the majors: lefty killer. Last season, he slashed .302/.399/.560 in 138 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers.
That’s not just serviceable-it’s impact production in a platoon role. He doesn’t need to be an everyday player to make a difference.
He just needs the right matchups.
Defensively, he’s a corner outfielder by trade, but he’s also logged innings at first base-something that adds a little extra value, especially for a Mets team that’s shown it’s willing to get creative with positional flexibility. With Jorge Polanco potentially seeing time at first as well, adding Refsnyder would give the Mets another capable glove and a reliable bat in a part-time role.
The Roster Crunch
Here’s the tricky part: the Mets’ roster is already a little crowded. To make room for someone like Refsnyder, they’d likely need to move on from a current piece-Jeff McNeil or Mark Vientos make the most sense as potential trade chips or roster casualties, depending on how the front office wants to structure the bench. Neither move would be easy, but if the Mets are serious about improving their offensive balance, especially against lefties, it’s a conversation worth having.
Refsnyder wouldn’t come with a big price tag, and he fits neatly into a platoon strategy. If the Mets are eyeing Carson Benge as a potential left-field option, Refsnyder could be the perfect right-handed complement. That’s the kind of quiet, under-the-radar move that doesn’t grab headlines but can pay dividends over a 162-game season.
Final Thought
The Mets don’t need to chase splashy names to improve. Sometimes, it’s about identifying the right role players-the guys who can win you at-bats in key situations.
Rob Refsnyder fits that mold. He’s not a game-changer, but he’s a game-helper.
And for a Mets team trying to fine-tune the edges of their roster, that might be exactly what they need.