GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Rob Refsnyder, who made his first Seattle Mariners appearance of the spring on Monday afternoon against the Los Angeles Dodgers, left quite an impression on me.

A 34-year-old veteran of 10 major league seasons, Refsnyder is one of the best hitters in baseball against left-handed pitching. He'll be a big help to the Mariners in the lineup, but after talking with him for 15 minutes, I'm convinced he'll have a big role in the clubhouse as well.

He reminds me of Seattle Seahawks receiver Cooper Kupp, who helped lead the Hawks to the Super Bowl title this past season.

I discussed the comparison further on the most recent 'Refuse to Lose' podcast:

"But, like, you think about Cooper Kupp. Was he the most important player on the Seahawks on the field this year? No. Did he put up the biggest numbers of any Seahawks receiver? No. Do we look at it and say that Cooper Kupp was vital on field to what they did? Eh, not for most of the year probably. But do we also look at it and say that, 'damn, we're happy the Seahawks had that guy because he made the wide receiver room better because he diverted some attention and resources from other defenses?' Yes. Do we look at it and say that he made Jaxon Smith-Njigba better? Yes. Does JSN credit Cooper Kupp for what he was able to do and grow as a receiver himself? Yes.

I think Rob Refsnyder could have a lot of those same qualities here for the Mariners in 2026. I think there are gonna be people that gravitate to him. I think there are gonna be people that learn from him.

Rob Refsnyder has been through most things that you can be through as a pro, right? We think about Justin Turner a couple of years ago. He had been through most things that a guy could go through.

Rob Refsnyder has been a good prospect. Rob Refsnyder has been a prospect that has had trouble staying in the league. Rob Refsnyder has been a guy who has changed positions from infield to outfield. He's become a platoon guy. He's been traded. I'm sure he's been DFA'd at some point in his career. I'm sure he spent additional time in the minors. I mean, Rob Refsnyder has been through everything that you could go through And therefore, he's got something to give to just about everybody here..."

Refsnyder hit .269 last season with nine homers and 30 RBIs, posting a 131 OPS+. He hit .302 against left-handed pitching with a .399 on-base percentage.

He figures to pair with Victor Robles in the RF/DH roles against lefties.

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