By Paul L. Taylor Posted on

Mariners’ signing of Rob Refsnyder underrated but still valuable

The Mariners need to make more moves, but don’t downplay the significance of bringing in outfielder/first baseman Rob Refsnyder.

One Monday, the Seattle Mariners confirmed the signing of Rob Refsnyder to a one-year deal for the 2026 season. The contract is for a guaranteed $6.25 million with the possibility of up to another $250,00 in bonuses, and the M’s 40-man roster is now full at 40 players.

At first glance, we can certainly appreciate plenty of fans will have been underwhelmed by the addition. With the likes of Jorge Polanco gone and Eugenio Suárez uncertain to return next year, speculation has linked the Mariners to the likes of Brendan Donovan and former prospect Ketel Marte.

However, don’t overlook the importance of bringing in someone like Refsnyder. First up there’s the intangibles, with the 34-year-old renowned as a tremendous presence to have in the clubhouse due to the combination of his leadership and work ethic.

Refsnyder will likely be used more in the outfield than at first base, with his arm strength ranked in the 84th percentile according to Baseball Savant, but it’s his addition as a right-handed bat which is projected to make the biggest difference in Seattle. It’s no secret the Mariners roster becoming increasingly reliant on left-handed bats as the 2025 season progressed, something which manager Dan Wilson would have ideally preferred not to be the case.

Refsnyder specifically dangerous vs. left-handed pitching

As per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, Refsnyder has been especially effective versus left-handed pitchers. Dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season, he ranks fifth in batting average (.312) among all right-handed hitters with at least 500 plate appearances, third in OBP (.407) and sixth in OPS (.924).

The 2012 fifth round draft pick is coming off a 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox in which he performed well in general. In 70 games he batted .269 with a .838 OPS and 131 OPS+, while also tying a career-best with a 1.2 bWAR.

As the 70 games allude to, Refsnyder has never been a regular starter, although the Red Sox and their fans are still unhappy to see him leave after four seasons in Boston. And it’s at least worth noting he has never been used as much as he was during the past three years in Beantown, with 252 combined games including a career-high 93 in 2024.

Mariners ballpark will present challenges

Just to be clear, we’re not dismissing the fact Refsnyder is leaving one of the most hitter-friendly stadiums in Fenway Park, to contend with the challenges which come with playing regularly in Seattle. It’s only a small sample size of 23 plate appearances over seven games, but he has batted .176 with a .568 OPS at T-Mobile Park to date in his Major League career.

However, Mariners Executive Vice President and General Manager of Baseball Operations Justin Hollander is delighted with the addition. As per a statement released by the team, he said:

“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. We are excited to welcome Rob and his family to the Mariners.”

Again, Mariners fans will still be expecting other moves to help a roster which this past season came within eight outs of their first ever trip to the World Series. However, from a depth perspective there is plenty to like about the decision to sign Refsnyder.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rogers Photography

What’s your take on the signing of Refsnyder and what do you think he brings to the team? Further, who do you think the Mariners need to take aim at next to improve their roster for the 2026 season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

One Reply to “Mariners’ signing of Rob Refsnyder underrated but still valuable”

  1. Pingback: Mariners sign Connor Joe and bring back reliever Jhonathan Diaz

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