Former Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder is leaving Boston and heading to the West Coast. (Image courtesy of Getty Images / Eric Canha)
Rob Refsnyder’s four-year run with the Boston Red Sox has officially come to an end.
Refsnyder has agreed to a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Seattle Mariners, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive. The deal also includes $250,000 in incentives, marking a significant raise from the $2.1 million Refsnyder earned last season.
Boston initially signed Refsnyder as a minor-league free agent in December 2021, a move that quietly turned into one of the organization’s most productive depth additions. Over four seasons, the 35-year-old established himself as one of baseball’s premier left-handed pitching mashers and a respected clubhouse presence.
Where can the Red Sox turn offensively after acquiring Willson Contreras?
In 70 games last season, Refsnyder hit .269 with nine home runs, 12 doubles, and an .838 OPS. Across 309 games in a Red Sox uniform, he posted a .276 batting average with 27 homers, 119 RBI, 48 doubles, and an .804 OPS. His true calling card remained his dominance against southpaws. In 2025, Refsnyder slashed .302/.364/.560 with a .959 OPS against left-handed pitching, pairing with Romy Gonzalez to give manager Alex Cora one of the league’s most reliable right-handed platoon options.
As his Boston chapter closed, Refsnyder took time to reflect publicly on what the organization — and the city — meant to him.
“Thank you to the incredible fans of Boston. It was such a joy to wear that uniform and compete for both you and the city,” Refsnyder wrote. “Watching my kids grow up and play at Fenway, both before and after work, will be some of my fondest memories.”
He also expressed gratitude toward the people behind the scenes, thanking the coaching staff, medical team, clubhouse staff, and teammates, adding: “I’ve learned so much from all of you.”
With Refsnyder heading to Seattle, Boston’s approach against left-handed pitching is set to change — and the spotlight now shifts to Wilyer Abreu.
Since debuting late in the 2023 season, Abreu has seen limited action against left-handed starters, making just 15 starts and logging 145 total plate appearances. In those opportunities, he has struggled to a .205 batting average and .589 OPS — numbers well below his production against right-handed pitching (.265 average, .827 OPS).
Red Sox trade for Willson Contreras, add more thump to the lineup
In 2025, the Red Sox played 45 regular-season games — plus two more in the postseason — against left-handed starters. Abreu started just eight of those contests, batting .230 with one home run, six doubles, and a .676 OPS across 68 plate appearances.
“With Willy and some of the lefties, we have to see if they can do it,” Cora said in early December. “It’s about that time, especially with Abreu.”
Refsnyder’s departure also opens the door for Nate Eaton, who is expected to see increased opportunities against left-handed pitching while serving in a more traditional utility role off the bench for Cora in 2026.
Pirates land Brandon Lowe in three-team trade, add power bat to lineup at PNC Park
For Refsnyder, the move to Seattle carries deeper meaning than just a new uniform. In his farewell note, he reflected on childhood memories of playing N64 MLB Baseball for hours, pretending he was part of the Mariners organization — a dream that has now come full circle.
“I feel so grateful, humbled, and fortunate for this moment,” Refsnyder wrote. “I’ll give you everything I’ve got. See you in Peoria.”
Seattle adds a proven specialist and veteran presence. Boston, meanwhile, turns the page — using Refsnyder’s departure as an inflection point to evaluate internal options, redefine platoon roles, and determine who can seize a larger share of responsibility moving forward.