Red Sox outfielder reconsiders retirement to prevent potential offseason headache

The Boston Red Sox extended veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder in June 2023 without much enthusiasm from fans.

No one could've known then that the journeyman would become a key piece for the Sox just one season later. Like the rest of his team, Refsnyder experienced a serious offensive slump after the trade deadline, but he posted an outstanding success rate at the plate in the first half.

The 33-year-old's season is riddled with career-highs. He slashed .283/.359/.471 with a .830 OPS, 16 doubles, 11 homers and 40 RBI over 93 games. Before his tenure with the Red Sox, he had never played more than 58 games in a season for any of his other five clubs.

Despite his breakout season and reinvigorated career, Refsnyder told The Boston Globe he was considering retirement before the 2025 season. He seems to have changed his mind, though.

Refsnyder said he would continue to play if the Red Sox exercise his option for next season. He spoke with Chris Cotillo of MassLive about his future.

Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder reconsiders previous comments about retirement

“I’ll be 34 in spring training. I could see myself playing for a couple more years honestly, if the situation is right,” Refsnyder said. “Especially if I’m here. You saw the core this year. It’s a pretty good core. I’m sure [Craig Breslow] is motivated and the front office is motivated. We as the players need to play better.”

The Red Sox front office has until five days after the World Series to notify Refsnyder if it plans to exercise his option. It sounds like he'll be back if the Sox hope to keep him around for 2025.

If Boston uses Refsnyder's option, the outfield could be just as packed next season as it was this year. Refsnyder shared playing time with Wilyer Abreu and Tyler O'Neill, and Masataka Yoshida could've been in the mix if the Red Sox were willing to put him in the outfield. Ceddanne Rafaela will probably need a permanent home in the outfield if Trevor Story can stay healthy in 2025, and Roman Anthony may be big-league-ready by spring training. It may be hard to find a regular spot for Refsnyder with that much competition for an outfield spot.

If the Sox don't re-sign O'Neill, more room in the outfield would open up quickly and Refsnyder would be left as their only righty bat in the pastures. Refsnyder took on a leadership role for the team this year, and he could continue to bring experience to Boston's young and relatively inexperienced clubhouse.

Based on his 2024 stats, Refsnyder has a few great seasons left in him. Surely he'd love to retire on a high note after the best season of his nine-year career, but if year nine is the best, there has to be more in the tank.

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