The Seattle Mariners signed utility player Rob Refsnyder to a one-year deal worth $6.25 million on Monday night. Refsnyder, who will be 35 years old on Opening Day, is one of the most accomplished hitters against left-handed pitching over the last four years, and he figures to be a major part of the M’s lineup against lefties.

The Boston Red Sox routinely hit him in the top four of the order against southpaws. He spent those last four years in Boston.

Advertisement

In addition to his ability to hit lefties, Refsynder is known as a good clubhouse presence, a veteran leader and a generally likable guy.

M’s fans will enjoy the message he put out to them on social media after the signing was official:

Seattle,

I don’t think my younger self would have believed you if you had told him he’d someday be able to play for such an amazing organization. I used to play N64 MLB Baseball, featuring Griffey, for hours, pretending I was on the team. I feel so grateful, humbled, and fortunate for this moment. I’ll give you everything I’ve got. See you in Peoria.

Advertisement

MORE MARINERS STORIES:

The Mariners are hesitant to acquire a 2B, here’s why

Seattle Mariners Make Intriguing Signing Right Before Holiday

ESPN’s Buster Olney understands why M’s didn’t over extend for Polanco

We discussed Refsynder’s signing on the latest edition of the ‘Refuse to Lose’ podcast:

They gave one (a good contract) to him, not because he is just a bench player. He is an impact bench player. He is an impact platoon player. He is an impact pinch-hitter late in games, and he’s got some speed, and he’s got some defensive versatility. This is a great move.

Advertisement

Again, a .959 OPS against lefties. Mitch Garver’s was .718, and I was for bringing Garver back as the backup catcher in a pinch-hit, or in a DH option against lefties. Well, now you’ve got Rob Refsnyder, who had an OPS of 240 points higher than that.

Even if Rob Refsnyder doesn’t hit as well at T-Mobile as he did at Fenway, even if his OPS drops to .800, he’s still significantly better than Mitch Garver was. He’s still significantly better than anything the Mariners currently have. This is a legitimate move. This is a legitimate signing.

Again, his slugging percentage last year (against lefties) was 4th best in baseball. Over the last four years, only Judge and Goldschmidt have a better on-base percentage than Rob Refsnyder against lefties.

Advertisement

For now, Refsynder figures to be the DH against lefties, with Victor Robles in right field. Dominic Canzone figures to be in the mix against righties, though it’s unclear if Robles will play RF with Canzone as the DH, or if Canzone will be the DH and Luke Raley in RF.

More moves can be made before the team arrives in spring training, which would clear up the picture.

Remember to join our MARINERS on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Mariners fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that’s free too!