The Boston Red Sox signed outfielder Rob Refsnyder to a team-friendly deal.
The art of right-handed hitting can be lost on some in Boston, where the Green Monster looms over left field. Not for the Red Sox, however. Veteran outfielder and right-handed specialist Rob Refsnyder has been one of Boston's best hitters against lefties, and he recently received a contract extension to cement his place on the roster.
Refsnyder has appeared in 33 games for Boston during the 2023 season, batting .284 while accumulating one home run and 17 RBIs in 98 plate appearances. He essentially operates in a platoon role as the fourth outfielder in Boston, seeing the majority of his at-bats against lefties.
For Refsnyder, the contract represents a significant milestone in his career and an opportunity to reflect on a long MLB journey.
Boston Red Sox extend Rob Refsnyder with team option for 2025 season
Refsynder has played eight years of professional baseball, splitting time between the Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays, Rangers, Twins, and now Red Sox. He has spent the majority of his career toggling between the majors and minors, never sticking too long in one spot or one role.
"I've gotten some really really nice texts from some family members, some friends and people that mean a lot to me and have stuck with me and encouraged me and it's definitely a day of reflection and thankfulness," he said via Ian Browne/MLB.com.
The Sox signed Refsnyder to a minor league contract prior to spring training in 2022, but as he told MLB.com's Ian Browne, a batting session with Boston hitting coach Pete Fatse changed the trajectory of his swing and his career.
"I'm very thankful that I wasn't stubborn and decided to work with him," Refsnyder said. "A lot of credit goes to Fatse and things like that."
Now the 32-year-old has a guaranteed major league contract worth $1.85 million in 2024, with a team option for $2 million in 2025. Refsnyder will continue to receive reps in left field, where he splits time with up-and-coming Red Sox star Masataka Yoshida. He also makes regular appearances as a pinch hitter.
Given his production in the batter's box, as well as his character in the locker room, it appears like the Red Sox are getting an absolute bargain.
"It's about the player and it's about the person," said Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom. "Great at-bats every single time, plays the game the right way. And in here, he does a lot of things to help the group. He's an outstanding teammate."