What is next for the Mariners following the Rob Refsnyder signing?
The Mariners signed lefty killer Rob Refsnyder to a one year deal, I am here to break down the roster and payroll fit, plus what could be the next addition for Seattle!
For most of the offseason, we have been able to track and predict Seattle’s moves based on clear needs and organizational signaling. On Monday, things changed, with the Mariners’ first surprise move of the offseason, a one-year deal for veteran right-handed hitter Rob Refsnyder. Refsnyder is 34 years old and has spent the last four seasons with the Red Sox. Refsnyder came up as a highly touted infield prospect in the Yankees system, took a journeyman path, and ended up settling in as a role player for Boston.
Let’s take a look at Refsnyder’s roster fit, payroll fit, and what it could lead to for the rest of the offseason.
Roster Fit
Refsnyder is 34 years old and will play part of 2026 as a 35-year-old. Although he came up as an infielder, the former top prospect has played exclusively in the outfield over the past two seasons.
Interestingly, the Mariners listed Refsnyder as a OF/1B in their press release. He has spent time at 1B in the past, but not since the 2020 season. Seattle clearly expects him to be their backup option at first base, protecting Naylor against tough lefties or giving him a day off. While Naylor performed exceedingly well against southpaws in his stint in Seattle, his overall career performance shows much more modest results.
The Korean-born outfielder should spend time at both corner outfield spots, first base, and designated hitter. He has found success against right-handed pitchers from time to time in his career, but for the most part, his damage has come against left-handed pitchers. Last season, he posted a 128 wRC+ overall, including a 157 against lefties. His ability to mash opposite-handed pitching is crucial in my opinion.
The Mariners posted the 6th highest wRC+ against lefties in 2025, but I expected this figure to regress. Cal Raleigh, Dom Canzone, and Naylor all performed well above their career numbers, and losing Mitch Garver and Geno Suarez will also lessen the present impact against southpaws. Add to that Seattle’s likely reliance on young, unproven left-handed hitters, and you have a lineup in need of a lefty killer. Adding a platoon bat like Refsnyder was critical for depth and impact purposes.
In 2024, Refsnyder posted a 161 wRC+ against lefties and a 105 against righties, which translates into more everyday-type numbers. However, the Arizona product has never been able to stay healthy enough to be an everyday player. Last season, he played in just 70 games with 209 PA. He looks like a player who doesn’t necessarily need to be pinch hit for against righties, but will almost certainly start every game when the Mariners line up against a left-handed starter.
This was a much-needed move for Seattle’s roster, but it must be acknowledged that the Mariners have struggled identifying platoon types over the past few seasons. Donovan Solano struggled mightily, and by the time he found his footing, his need on the roster was little to none. AJ Pollock is another platoon type that was trending in the wrong direction and completely fell apart in Seattle.
Refsnyder’s value goes well beyond his ability to mash lefties. He is well known as a clubhouse presence, and one source I talked to referred to him as “the best clubhouse guy around.”
