The Seattle Mariners got the holiday season started early on Monday, signing outfielder/first baseman Rob Refsnyder to a one-year deal worth $6.25 million.

There’s a lot to like about this signing, so let’s dive in:

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Now 34 years old, Refsynder will turn 35 by Opening Day in 2026. He’s a well-traveled veteran of 10 years, having played for the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox.

A career .255 hitter, he had a very good four-year run in Boston, hitting .276 over 309 games. He also had 27 homers with Boston, playing mostly in a platoon role.

Based on the press release on his signing, the Mariners see him as a first baseman and an outfielder, and he’ll see time at designated hitter a well.

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He figures to play extensively against left-handed pitchers, and the Red Sox often used him in the cleanup role against lefties.

Per Red Sox Nation Stats on social media:

Reliable Refsnyder, 35 by Opening Day, played 4 seasons with BOS, slashing .276 AVG/.364 OBP/.440 SLG in 309 games.

Refsnyder’s .596 SLG vs lefty starters last year was 4th-best in #MLB (minimum 100 PA).

Refsynder will become a major weapon for the M’s against southpaws, and should help them take advantage of matchups in an advantageous way.

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Things can certainly change, but here’s how the M’s look as presently constructed

C: Cal Raleigh

1B: Josh Naylor

2B: Cole Young

SS: JP Crawford

3B: Ben Williamson/Colt Emerson

LF: Randy Arozarena

CF: Julio Rodriguez

RF: Victor Robles/Dominic Canzone

BENCH:

Andrew Knizner

Victor Robles/Dominic Canzone

Ben Williamson/Colt Emerson

Rob Refsnynder

Luke Raley

***One player included on the bench will be the designated hitter. In this current iteration of the position player group, there is no room for Ryan Bliss or Leo Rivas.

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Justin Hollander, Mariners GM, had this to say about the signing on Monday:

“Rob has been one of the most productive hitters against left-handed pitching over the last four seasons and provides balance and impact offensively to our lineup,” said Hollander. “We are excited to welcome Rob and his family to the Mariners.”

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The Mariners continue to be linked to Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte on the trade market. It’s unclear if this move affects those discussions at all.

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