The Boston Red Sox once again found themselves on the outside looking in this postseason, forced to watch the American League Championship Series from home after suffering a disappointing early exit at the hands of the New York Yankees in the Wild Card round. It was a tough pill to swallow for a team that had shown flashes of potential during the regular season but ultimately fell short when it mattered most. While the players and staff regroup, one notable pending free agent may have already been envisioning his next destination as the Red Sox face what could be a pivotal offseason for the franchise.
The Red Sox saw a surprising surge in the standings late in the year after parting ways with longtime cornerstone Rafael Devers, a move that signaled the beginning of a new chapter at Fenway Park. Yet that chapter could soon include more high-profile departures. Chief among the organization’s upcoming challenges will be addressing Alex Bregman’s contract situation. The veteran infielder is expected to opt out, and Boston will need to determine whether it can — or should — meet his asking price to bring him back.
At the same time, another important contributor could be on his way out: outfielder Rob Refsnyder. The 34-year-old has been a steady right-handed presence in a lineup dominated by left-handed bats, but he’s now headed for free agency. According to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, the Red Sox have already opened preliminary discussions about a possible return, though no agreement appears imminent. “Though he’d mused about the possibility of retiring after the 2024 season, the 34-year-old plans to play in 2026 and has had informal talks with the Sox about a possible return, though he should have a healthy market given his production against lefties and strong clubhouse reputation,” Speier wrote.
Refsnyder’s blend of professionalism, versatility, and leadership has made him a well-respected figure in the clubhouse, but Boston may not be the only team interested in his services. Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently predicted that Refsnyder could wind up in Seattle, joining the Mariners following their own ALCS exit. “Refsnyder isn’t as good a fit for this Mariners team as he is for the Red Sox, who have a largely left-handed lineup,” Rymer noted. “We nonetheless like him as a platoon partner for (Dominic) Canzone, both of whom would also be insurance for (Victor) Robles if he can’t recapture the magic he found in Seattle in 2024.”
Refsnyder’s ability to hit left-handed pitching and serve as a dependable bench option makes him a valuable commodity on the open market, especially for playoff-caliber teams seeking depth and experience. While his next destination remains uncertain, the Red Sox will need to act quickly if they hope to keep him in Boston. Turning those “informal talks” into serious negotiations might be their only chance to retain one of their most consistent role players before the free-agent frenzy begins.
