As of December 22nd, the Seattle Mariners hit capacity on their 40-man roster with the signing of Rob Refsnyder. The one-year, $6.25 million contract includes up to $250,000 in incentives for the veteran player.
Refsnyder comes with plenty of experience, having spent 10 seasons in the MLB. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Yankees, he rose to become New York’s No. 5 prospect by the time of his debut in 2015. Since then, Refsnyder has played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox.
Refsnyder’s Role in Seattle
The Mariners have listed Refsnyder as an outfielder/first baseman. He has made just 29 career appearances at first base and has not played the position since 2020. By comparison, he has logged 356 career appearances in the outfield and 43 at second base.
Refsnyder could serve as a backup to recently re-signed Josh Naylor while also seeing how he works in the outfield. That role will depend on spring training, and how Refsnyder fits alongside Randy Arozarena in left field, Julio Rodriguez in center, and a right-field mix of Dominic Canzone, Luke Raley, and Victor Robles.
More importantly, Refsnyder will play a key role at the plate. The right-handed hitter has been one of baseball’s most effective batters against left-handed pitching. Among 81 players with a minimum of 500 plate appearances against lefties, he consistently ranks near the top in most major offensive categories. Alongside working Refsnyder into the outfield, he will likely act as designated hitter throughout the 2026 season.
During his 2025 season with the Red Sox, the 34-year-old appeared in 70 games. He hit .269 with a .354 on-base percentage and an .838 OPS, adding nine home runs, 12 doubles, 30 RBIs, and three stolen bases. That offensive profile is just what the Mariners need at the plate. Since 2022, Refsnyder’s .407 on-base percentage ranks third in baseball, trailing only Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt.
In a press release, Mariners general manager Justin Hollander praised Refsnyder’s game.
“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,” Hollander said. “We are excited to welcome Rob and his family to the Mariners.”
Beyond his on-field production, Refsnyder is widely considered a strong clubhouse presence. His value in Boston extended beyond his success against left-handed pithes. Refsnyder was viewed as a leader and a team-player, an important addition to Seattle’s team.
Full Roster
The Mariners are expected to remain active as the offseason continues, despite having a full 40-man roster. The Refsnyder signing brings Seattle’s payroll to approximately $157 million, according to RosterResource.
Earlier this offseason, president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto indicated the Mariners were likely to open the 2026 season with a payroll around $166 million, suggesting there is still financial room to make additional moves if necessary.
With the addition of Refsnyder, Seattle may now turn its attention to adding a versatile infielder to balance the roster. Recent reports have linked the Mariners to St. Louis Cardinals Brendan Donovan who is capable of playing multiple positions. Whatever the Mariners do next, they will likely make a calculated move to strengthen their push toward a World Series.
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