It’s December, which means MLB’s Winter Meetings are just around the corner - and with them, the real meat of the offseason. While a few teams have already made noise, this is the stretch where the market starts to move. Big-name free agents begin to sign, trade talks turn into action, and contenders start shaping their rosters for the grind ahead.
One team firmly in the spotlight: the Philadelphia Phillies. Back-to-back NL East champs, yes, but also back-to-back NLDS exits.
Their World Series window is still cracked open, but the clock’s ticking on a roster that’s not getting any younger. This offseason is about more than just running it back - it’s about retooling just enough to keep that window from slamming shut.
Outfield Overhaul Incoming
Let’s start with the obvious: the Phillies’ outfield is going to look a lot different in 2026. Max Kepler and Harrison Bader are free agents, and Nick Castellanos is expected to be either traded or released. That leaves a lot of question marks and not a ton of proven answers.
Justin Crawford, the organization’s No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, is expected to break camp with the big-league club. He brings speed, defense, and a left-handed bat - all things the Phillies like. But beyond Crawford, it’s a bit of a shuffle.
Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas, and Weston Wilson are internal options, while Pedro León and Bryan De La Cruz - both recent acquisitions - could factor into the mix. Still, for a team with title aspirations, that’s a lot of “maybes” and not enough “definitelies.”
Enter Rob Refsnyder
That’s where Rob Refsnyder comes in. He’s not going to headline any offseason hype videos, but he might just be the kind of under-the-radar addition that helps stabilize a lineup.
Refsnyder, 34, brings versatility and experience. He can play all three outfield spots - though he’s best suited for the corners - and has logged innings at both first and second base. That kind of flexibility is valuable for a club that could use depth and balance.
But what really makes Refsnyder a fit in Philadelphia is his bat - more specifically, his right-handed bat. With Marsh and Crawford both swinging from the left side, and Bader and Castellanos likely out of the picture, the Phillies need a righty who can handle left-handed pitching. Refsnyder checks that box in bold.
Over the last four seasons with the Red Sox, he’s hit .276 overall, including a standout .307 clip in 2022. He’s not a slugger by any stretch, but he’s got some pop.
In 2024, he hit a career-high 11 homers in 93 games. Project that over a full 162-game season, and you’re looking at a 20-homer pace - not bad for a guy who’s often used in a platoon role.
But here’s where he really shines: against lefties. In 2025, Refsnyder posted a .302 average and a .959 OPS against southpaws, with seven of his nine home runs coming in those matchups. That’s the kind of production that can tilt matchups late in games or give a lineup some much-needed balance.
Low Risk, Potential Reward
The financials also make sense. Refsnyder could likely be had on a one-year deal in the $4-$5 million range - a low-risk move for a team that still has its eyes on bigger fish down the road. Think of him as a bridge: a stopgap who can contribute now while the Phillies keep their options open for a splashier addition, whether that’s a trade or a pursuit of someone like Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger down the line.
He’s not the long-term solution, but he doesn’t need to be. What Refsnyder offers is competence, consistency, and a skillset that fits the Phillies' current needs. For a team trying to maximize what’s left of its current core, that’s more than enough reason to make the call.
Bottom Line
The Phillies don’t need to reinvent the wheel this offseason - they just need to keep it rolling. Refsnyder isn’t a headline-grabber, but he’s the kind of smart, strategic addition that can help a contender stay on track. If the Phillies are serious about chasing a ring in 2026, this is exactly the type of move that helps keep that dream alive.