The Phillies are heading into the offseason with a clear to-do list, and right near the top is outfield depth. With Harrison Bader hitting free agency and Nick Castellanos likely on his way out-whether via trade or release-Philadelphia’s front office is weighing its options. And while Brandon Marsh remains in the fold, his continued struggles against left-handed pitching suggest a platoon might be the smarter play rather than forcing him into an everyday role.
Enter Rob Refsnyder-a name that might not light up headlines like Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker, but one that makes a lot of baseball sense for this Phillies roster.
According to league chatter, the Phillies have been linked to Refsnyder this winter, and the fit is hard to ignore. He’s a right-handed bat who thrives against lefties, posting a .959 OPS with seven home runs in 2025 across just 138 plate appearances versus southpaws. That’s not just respectable-it’s exactly the kind of production Philadelphia needs to balance out its lineup.
Refsnyder also brings something else the Phillies value: versatility. He’s capable of playing all three outfield spots, giving manager Rob Thomson flexibility with defensive alignments and late-game substitutions. And in a season where depth and matchup advantages matter more than ever, having a guy like Refsnyder on the bench-or in a platoon role-could be a quiet difference-maker.
Of course, Refsnyder isn’t Bellinger or Tucker. He’s not a marquee name, and he won’t command a blockbuster contract.
But that’s precisely the point. Signing him wouldn’t tie up significant payroll, which could help the Phillies keep their focus (and dollars) on retaining key pieces like Kyle Schwarber and J.T.
Realmuto.
This is a team that’s built to contend now, and smart roster construction-especially in the margins-is going to be key. Refsnyder may not be the splashiest move of the offseason, but he could be one of the savviest.
A right-handed bat who crushes lefties, plays solid defense, and doesn’t break the bank? That’s the kind of move that helps round out a roster and keeps a contender rolling.