Rob Refsnyder sends heartfelt message following Mariners signing

Following the Mariners’ signing of Rob Refsnyder on Monday, the former Red Sox outfielder/first baseman sent a heartfelt message to both organizations.

“Thank you to the incredible fans of Boston,” Refsnyder said after a four-year tenure, per an X post from the Boston Herald’s Gabrielle Starr. “ It was such a joy to wear that uniform and compete for both you and the city. Watching my kids grow up and play at Fenway, both before and after work, will be some of my fondest memories. We met so many hardworking, amazing people who made this city such a special place for my family over the past four years. A big thank you to the coaching staff, medical team, clubhouse staff, and everyone in the organization who has helped me along the way. And lastly, thank you to my Sox teammates for putting up with me. I’ve learned so much from all of you.”

Added Refsnyder, who does not have his own social media presence: “Seattle, I don’t think my younger self would have believed you if you had told him he’d someday be able to play for such an amazing organization. I used to play (Nintendo)64 MLB Baseball, featuring (Ken) Griffey (Jr.), for hours, pretending I was on the team. I feel so grateful, humbled, and fortunate for this moment. I’ll give you everything I’ve got. See you in Peoria.”

Starr’s post included a 1:15 minute compilation video of Refsnyder’s time with the Red Sox, including several off-the-field clips. 

Refsnyder will join the Mariners in February at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Ariz. for spring training.

The Mariners added the 34-year-old on a one-year, $6.25 million contract with up to $250,000 in incentives, bringing the team’s’ 40-man roster to capacity. Refsnyder’s deal is a drastic increase from his $2.1 million earned in Boston last season.

Refsnyder, who enters his 11 MLB season, will not just bring veteran leadership.

Across his tenure with the Red Sox, the right-hander hit .276 over 309 games with 117 runs, 48 doubles, two triples, 27 home runs and 119 RBI with an .804 OPS and 123 OPS+.

He is one of the best hitters in baseball against left-handed pitchers specifically, serving as a platoon hitter for Boston.

“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,” Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said. “We are excited to welcome Rob and his family to the Mariners.”

Refsnyder has batted over .300 against left-handed pitchers for five consecutive seasons and .312 since 2022, which ranks fifth in the MLB among 81 players with at least 500 plate appearances. His OBP of .407 since 2022 ranks third.

He is predicted to be a platoon player for the Mariners, while serving as backup to first baseman Josh Naylor, who signed a blockbuster five-year, $92.5 contract with the Mariners last month. Refsnyder may also be in the mix at designated hitter against lefties.