The Yankees' offseason plans are starting to take shape, and while the spotlight remains fixed on the possibility of a long-term deal with Cody Bellinger, there’s more brewing beneath the surface. Whether Bellinger returns or not, one thing is clear: New York is committed to building a deeper, more flexible roster - one that gives Aaron Boone the tools to mix and match his lineups with purpose, not just necessity.
That shift in approach started last summer, when the Yankees brought in bench pieces like Austin Slater and Amed Rosario to patch together a more versatile attack. Now, Rosario’s return looks like the first domino in what could be a more calculated push toward roster balance - and potentially, a reunion with a familiar face who’s quietly become one of the league’s most effective platoon bats: Rob Refsnyder.
Refsnyder might not be the headline name fans are clamoring for, but don’t let that fool you. Over the past two seasons, he’s carved out a niche as a lefty killer - and he’s done it with remarkable consistency.
Last season, he posted a .959 OPS with seven home runs in just 138 plate appearances against left-handed pitching. That’s not a hot streak.
That’s a weapon.
And it’s not just a one-year blip. The year before, Refsnyder torched southpaws to the tune of a .941 OPS.
He’s disciplined at the plate, rarely chases pitches out of the zone, and when he connects, he barrels the ball with authority. This isn’t Fenway magic or a small-sample mirage.
It’s who he is now - a right-handed bat who can slot into the outfield and do damage in a clearly defined role.
The Red Sox seemed interested in bringing him back, even opening informal talks before October wrapped. But something shifted.
Maybe Boston realized its outfield depth chart was already overflowing. Maybe they saw younger options like Nate Eaton emerging.
Whatever the reason, the latest buzz suggests Refsnyder’s return to Boston is unlikely - and that opens a door in the Bronx.
If the Yankees do land Bellinger, expect them to explore trade options for Jasson Domínguez, likely in pursuit of pitching. In that scenario, a right-handed outfield bat becomes a necessity - someone who complements Bellinger and Judge and gives Boone matchup flexibility. Refsnyder fits that bill perfectly.
If Bellinger signs elsewhere? Then Domínguez probably stays, and the Yankees still need a righty platoon partner to balance the lineup.
Again, Refsnyder makes sense. He’s not a splashy addition, but he’s the kind of move that smart teams make - a low-cost, high-impact piece who fills a specific need and fits seamlessly into a roster that’s trying to be more dynamic.
And let’s not forget the irony here. Yankee fans who remember Refsnyder as a scrappy, overmatched utility infielder back in the mid-2010s might do a double take. But this version of Rob Refsnyder is something entirely different - a confident, polished hitter who’s made a career out of punishing lefties.
So yes, there’s still plenty up in the air. Bellinger’s decision will shape a lot of what comes next. But if you’re reading the tea leaves - and the Yankees certainly want you to - don’t be surprised if Refsnyder ends up back in pinstripes, this time as a key cog in a smarter, more balanced lineup.
Sometimes, the best moves aren’t the loudest. Sometimes, they’re just the right ones.