After four successful seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Rob Refsnyder has officially signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners. The agreement, announced by the club, includes a base salary of $6.25 million for the 2026 season, along with an additional $250,000 in performance incentives.
At 35 years old in May, Refsnyder entered the Red Sox organization as a minor league free agent in December 2021, transitioning from a journeyman utility player to a significant contributor. Throughout his time in Boston, he excelled in facing left-handed pitchers and became an influential voice in the clubhouse. He played a vital role alongside veterans like Trevor Story and Alex Bregman, helping the team navigate challenges that arose during the Rafael Devers trade saga earlier this summer.
Over the course of 309 games with the Red Sox, Refsnyder showcased his talent by posting a .276 batting average, hitting 27 home runs, driving in 119 RBIs, and recording 48 doubles, all while maintaining an impressive .804 OPS. Notably, he thrived against left-handed pitching in 2025, achieving a .302 batting average, a .560 slugging percentage, and a remarkable .959 OPS. His performance made him one of the top hitters in Major League Baseball against lefties, ranking third in on-base percentage against them since the start of 2021.
Despite his interest in returning to the Red Sox for the 2026 season, recent developments indicated a challenging path back. With the team’s crowded outfield and designated hitter spots, Refsnyder’s opportunities for at-bats had dwindled. Manager Alex Cora’s comments suggested that the club plans to give more regular starts to Wilyer Abreu against left-handed pitchers, a role Refsnyder filled last season. Additionally, the athleticism of Nate Eaton was highlighted as a potential replacement for Refsnyder’s versatile contributions.
With this new chapter in his career at the Mariners, Refsnyder will become a player for his seventh Major League team, adding the Mariners to his extensive journey, which has previously included stints with the Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays, and Twins. Notably, he had previously signed contracts to stay with the Red Sox, including an arbitration avoidance deal for $1.2 million in 2023, followed by a $1.85 million extension for 2024 that included a $2 million option for 2025.
As Rob Refsnyder embarks on this new venture with the Seattle Mariners, fans and players alike will be eager to see how his experience and skills can contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season, maintaining a hopeful outlook for him and the organization alike.