Red Sox Outfielder Reportedly Learning New Position To Earn More Playing Time
The Boston Red Sox are just weeks away from setting their 26-man Opening Day roster and still have some position battles underway.
The deepest position-player position group on the roster is the outfield -- which boasts Masataka Yoshida, -- though he'll primarily be the designated hitter -- Tyler O'Neill, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder and possibly Ceddanne Rafaela if he breaks camp with Boston.
The Red Sox are unlikely to carry six outfielders, which could create some drama in the coming days. The longest-tenured player of the group has been working on some positional versatility as of late to improve his chances of earning a spot/playing time.
"Alex Cora said Refsnyder is also working out at first base to make him a more versatile piece for the bench," MLB.com's Ian Browne reported Wednesday.
Refsnyder was put on this earth to do one thing -- mash left-handed pitching. He posted a .308/.428/.400 slash line against southpaws last season and should have a bench role on a left-handed heavy offense.
The 32-year-old has hit .273 with 28 extra-base hits including seven home runs, 49 RBIs and a .768 OPS (111 OPS+) in 146 games over his two seasons with the Red Sox.
With more outfield depth than in recent years, he'll be able to be used more exclusively against left-handed pitching -- which should make him even more effective.
Now Refsynder -- who broke into the big leagues as a second baseman/utility man -- will attempt to add first base to his skillset to improve upon the team's versatility. Refsynder has 36 appearances at first base in his career for a total of 227 innings but hasn't played the position since 2020.
The move will aid Boston's bench situation behind budding star Triston Casas. With Justin Turner's departure, the first base depth is down to Bobby Dalbec, newly acquired C.J. Cron on a minor-league deal or someone such as Pablo Reyes or Refsnyder filling in when needed.
Cron likely will eventually take command of the role but until then it's good to see Refsnyder find another way to contribute to the team.
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