3 Red Sox who don’t deserve to be on the 40-man roster heading into 2024

OF Rob Refsnyder

Rob Refsnyder has been a fine fourth outfielder in Boston for two seasons. Alex Cora throws him in the pastures late in games when the Sox's other outfielders need a break or he wants a right-handed bat in their stead.

Refsnyder has a strong arm while his chase, whiff and K rates are low and his walk rate is high. When the Sox need to get someone on base, Refsnyder can sub in and likely do the job. But the outfielder can't slug, and he doesn't hit the ball hard or far. He batted .248/.365/.317 in 2023 with just 11 extra-base hits on the season. Additionally, Baseball Savant ranks the outfielder below league average in sprint speed and OAA. Refsnyder posted a -3 in the latter category in 2023.

The Red Sox require a right-handed bat with power. Refsnyder takes up a 40-man roster spot and brings below-average defense and offense. Exchanging him, along with other pieces, for a player like Jorge Soler would only do Boston good.