In recent weeks as the Red Sox struggled to what he described as a “disappointing” finish, Rob Refsnyder considered making the 2024 season his last.
Yet despite a third consecutive October-less campaign with the club, the veteran utility-man has decided he’s not ready to walk away just yet.
Especially if the Red Sox want him back. In June 2023, he signed a one-year, $1.85 million extension for ‘24 with a $2 million club option for ‘25 that includes performance bonuses and escalators. The Red Sox have until five days after the conclusion of the World Series to decide if they want to pick up the option or pay him a $150,000 buyout, but sources indicate they plan to do so.
“I’ve started talking to (chief baseball officer Craig Breslow),” Refsnyder told the Herald on Saturday. “Hopefully, they pick it up. I love Boston and I’d love to be back.”
Refsnyder is coming off his most productive offensive season; he hit .283 with a .830 OPS, with career-highs of 93 games, 77 hits, 16 doubles, 11 home runs, and 40 RBI. Over three years in Boston, he’s tormented left-handed pitchers to the tune of a .316 average, .411 on-base percentage, and .500 slugging percentage.
Teams will also see value, not only in his production and defensive versatility, but in his intangibles: affordable, strong leadership qualities, well-respected in the clubhouse, and a role model to younger players. In spring training, Jarren Duran referred to him as his “best friend” on the team, and said Refsnyder has become “like a big brother.”
All reasons the Red Sox would benefit from keeping him around. They’re also about to lose several veteran players to free agency, including Chris Martin, Kenley Jansen, and Nick Pivetta. Refsnyder’s strong bond with the less-experienced players could be more valuable than ever.
Those young players are also one of the forces driving Refsnyder’s desire to remain in Boston. Despite their overall 80-81 record this season, the Red Sox have a promising group of homegrown talent, and it’s growing rapidly.
“I think you see the young core forming. I look at the foundation of the pitching staff: Tanner (Houck), Kutter (Crawford), (Brayan) Bello, all homegrown,” Refsnyder said. “(Richard) Fitts has pitched. (Quinn) Priester just got called up (Saturday). I think you’re seeing the depth form. I think we’re in a lot better state of starting pitching.”
“Look at some of the rookies. I mean, Wilyer (Abreu), (Ceddanne) Rafaela, (David) Hamilton was playing really well (before his injury),” Refsnyder continued. “Jarren is a superstar, Triston (Casas) is healthy, Trevor (Story) healthy, and we haven’t even talked about Raffy (Devers). So I mean, I know the fan base will be a lot more excited this offseason. I think they’re going to be more hopeful.”
That’s another reason Refsnyder loves wearing the Red Sox uniform.
“Even last night, they came out and supported us. I try to remind people, the players, this is such a (expletive) awesome fan base; we’re eliminated but they’re still coming out to support us,” he said. “I’m very thankful for the fans. I think they were great this year. There’s a lot of fan bases that wouldn’t come out to support the team like they did. I’ve been on the other end where fans don’t come out when you’re not playing well.”
Though Refsnyder is open to other opportunities, a potential 10th MLB season hinges strongly on the Red Sox.
“If they do decide to pick it up, I’m definitely going to come back,” he said. “If they don’t, then I’ll have to make decisions. I don’t know, if there’s other offers out there, if there’s interest, it’s hard to say.”
The Red Sox open the 2025 season at the Texas Rangers on March 27. Refsnyder’s 34th birthday is the day before, and he already knows what he wants.
“Tek says it all the time: there’s no place like Boston when you’re winning,” Refsnyder said, referring to Jason Varitek, who won two championships as the Red Sox catcher and captain. “Hopefully, they pick up my option and I can experience that.”
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