In June 2023, the Boston Red Sox extended veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder, but the decision received a lukewarm response from fans. No one anticipated that he would become a vital player for the team just a season later. Although Refsnyder, like many teammates, faced a significant offensive dip after the trade deadline, he excelled at the plate during the first half of the season.
The 33-year-old achieved several career milestones, finishing the year with a .283 batting average, .359 on-base percentage, and .471 slugging percentage, totaling an .830 OPS, 16 doubles, 11 home runs, and 40 RBIs across 93 games. Prior to joining the Red Sox, he had never played more than 58 games in a single season with any of his previous five teams.
Despite his impressive performance and rejuvenated career, Refsnyder had considered retirement before the 2025 season, although he appears to have changed his stance. He mentioned that if the Red Sox pick up his option for the next season, he would be inclined to keep playing. In a conversation with Chris Cotillo of MassLive, he expressed optimism about his future with the team, highlighting the strong core of players and the motivation from the front office.
The Red Sox must decide whether to exercise his option within five days after the World Series, and it seems likely he would return if they wish to retain him for 2025. If they do keep him, the outfield could be crowded, as Refsnyder has shared time with Wilyer Abreu and Tyler O’Neill, while Masataka Yoshida and other prospects could also compete for playing time. This might make it challenging for Refsnyder to secure a regular spot.
However, if the Sox don’t re-sign O’Neill, that could open up opportunities for Refsnyder, who has stepped into a leadership role and could continue to provide valuable experience to the team’s younger players. Given his strong 2024 performance, it’s clear that he still has a few good seasons left, and he would likely prefer to end his career on a high note after achieving the best season of his nine-year career.
