The Mariners continued to tinker with their roster on Monday, signing veteran right-handed hitter Rob Refsnyder to a one-year deal - a move that might not make headlines, but one that fills a very specific need in Seattle’s lineup.
Refsnyder, 34, isn’t the kind of name that turns heads in December. But for a Mariners team that struggled to find consistent production from the right side of the plate last season, especially in platoon situations, this addition makes a lot of sense. He’s carved out a niche in recent years as a reliable bat against left-handed pitching, and that’s exactly the role he’s expected to fill in Seattle.
In 2025 with the Red Sox, Refsnyder slashed .302 with a .959 OPS across 138 plate appearances versus lefties - numbers that speak for themselves. He added nine doubles and seven home runs in those matchups, showing that he’s not just a contact guy; he’s got some pop too.
And when you zoom out a bit, the consistency becomes even more impressive: over the past three seasons, Refsnyder ranks fifth among qualified hitters with a 152 wRC+ and sixth with a .909 OPS against southpaws. That’s elite territory for a platoon bat.
For context, Seattle’s right-handed options last season were, at best, inconsistent. Dylan Moore, who was supposed to be a utility weapon, ended his Mariners tenure in a brutal 3-for-74 slump before being released in August.
Mitch Garver, another righty who filled in as a DH and catcher, is a free agent and unlikely to return, especially after the Mariners brought in Andrew Knizner as a backup backstop. So in that vacuum, Refsnyder brings a clear upgrade.
Defensively, Refsnyder has primarily played in the outfield and at designated hitter, but he’s also logged time at first base - 36 career games, though none since 2020. With left-handed slugger Josh Naylor penciled in at first, Refsnyder could be a spot starter or late-game option there, depending on matchups.
Right now, the plan likely involves Refsnyder platooning at DH or in right field, rotating with left-handed bats like Dominic Canzone or Luke Raley. But there’s an interesting wrinkle here.
The Mariners’ outfield, as currently built, already features three right-handed hitters: Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena, and Victor Robles. That’s a lot of righty bats in one group, which raises the question - is Refsnyder here to complement them, or is something else brewing?
It’s a fair question. This move feels like the kind of roster tweak that precedes a bigger swing.
There’s been persistent buzz around Seattle’s interest in Cardinals utilityman Brendan Donovan, a left-handed All-Star who would bring both contact and defensive versatility to the mix. Refsnyder’s arrival doesn’t block that kind of move - if anything, it might signal that something like it is on the horizon.
If the Mariners are looking to rebalance their lineup, especially from a left-right standpoint, a trade involving Robles could be in play. Refsnyder could be insurance for that kind of deal, stepping into a more prominent right-handed role if Robles is moved for a lefty bat. It’s speculation, sure, but it fits the pattern of a front office that’s been methodically reshaping the roster this winter.
Bottom line: Refsnyder isn’t here to be a star. He’s here to do what he does best - hit lefties - and give Seattle a more stable platoon presence.
But his signing also hints at a bigger plan in motion. If the Mariners are going to take the next step in the AL West, it’s going to take more than just marginal upgrades.
This looks like one of those connective pieces - the kind of move you make when you're setting up something bigger. Stay tuned.