Latest news with #RobRefsnyder
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phillies' Trade Idea Acquires Red Sox Seven-Time All-Star in Blockbuster Deal
Phillies' Trade Idea Acquires Red Sox Seven-Time All-Star in Blockbuster Deal originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the best teams in the majors. Yet, they may have the most glaring holes of any division leader. The outfield production has been subpar, with left field operating somewhat like the Bermuda Triangle. Advertisement Max Kepler is openly criticizing his usage, while the team is venting its frustration with Johan Rojas' play. The starting pitching is a bright spot, especially as the team eyes October baseball, but the bullpen leaves a lot to be desired in late-inning situations. Approaching the trade deadline, Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer suggests the Phillies swing for the fences and make a deal with the Boston Red Sox for closer Aroldis Chapman and outfielder Rob Refsnyder. "By himself, Chapman would likely fetch a midlevel prospect,' wrote Lauber. "But the Red Sox also have a surplus of outfielders, possibly matching them up with the Phillies' need and enabling them to extract more for Chapman.' Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Chapman, 37, is in the middle of another All-Star-worthy campaign. In 37 appearances, the flame-thrower has a 1.32 ERA, 50 strikeouts, and 14 saves across 34 innings. His fastball is still touching 100 mph regularly, and his WHIFF rate ranks in the 98th percentile, according to Baseball Savant. At a deadline with few elite-level arms available, Chapman is the marquee name. Advertisement Lauber continues by highlighting Refsnyder's impressive splits against right-handers, an area in which the Phillies outfield ranks 24th, according to FanGraphs. "Lefty-hitting Jarren Duran is the Sox's biggest outfield chip despite regressing after a breakout 2024 season," wrote Lauber. "But a better fit for the Phillies might be Rob Refsnyder, who bats right-handed and mashes lefties (.569 slugging, .972 OPS). He also played for Rob Thomson with the Yankees." Going back to the Red Sox is Philadelphia's #5 prospect, right-hander Mick Abel. Shipping Abel to Boston for one year of Chapman and Refsnyder is an overpay. However, with the clock ticking on their World Series window, Philadelphia cannot afford to miss a chance to add the best reliever on the market and solidify their bullpen ahead of a pivotal second-half stretch. Related: Phillies 'Growing Frustrated' With Lack of Production From Starting Outfielder This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Phillies Projected to Acquire Closer, Outfielder From Red Sox at Deadline
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Philadelphia Phillies know they have to add at least one reliever within the next month to make a push for the National League East title. Dave Dombrowski and Rob Thomson will have every option on the table, but it's likely they pursue a similar route to last year in which a rental is acquired at the trade deadline. As a result, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer projects the team could acquire Aroldis Chapman and outfielder Rob Refsnyder from the Boston Red Sox. ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 24: Aroldis Chapman #44 of Boston Red Sox throws in the bottom of the ninth inning during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June... ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 24: Aroldis Chapman #44 of Boston Red Sox throws in the bottom of the ninth inning during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 24, 2025 in Anaheim, California. More"By himself, Chapman would likely fetch a midlevel prospect," wrote Lauber. "But the Red Sox also have a surplus of outfielders, possibly matching them up with the Phillies' need and enabling them to extract more for Chapman." "Lefty-hitting Jarren Duran is the Sox's biggest outfield chip despite regressing after a breakout 2024 season," wrote Lauber. "But a better fit for the Phillies might be Rob Refsnyder, who bats right-handed and mashes lefties (.569 slugging, .972 OPS). He also played for Rob Thomson with the Yankees." Here are the complete details of the trade proposal: Phillies acquire: LHP Aroldis Chapman, OF Rob Refsnyder Red Sox acquire: RHP Mick Abel The Red Sox would likely jump at this offer and never look back. Trading two players on an expiring contract for a promising, young starter like Abel would be a win-win scenario. Even if Boston stays in the playoff race, this is a move the team could make to better the roster now and for the future. As for the Phillies, this deal would be an overpay to say the least. Coughing up Abel when Andrew Painter is still a question mark is a major risk. The only way this deal could soften the blow of losing Abel is if the team can convince Chapman to sign a multi-year extension between the end of next month and the season coming to a close. Overpays happen all the time at the trade deadline, but this one seems like too much of an overpay from the Phillies' perspective. More MLB: Dodgers Identify Marlins' $56 Million Ace As 'Man They Want' at Deadline, Per Report
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Sox Designated Hitter Masataka Yoshida Set to Start Rehab Assignment Soon
Red Sox Designated Hitter Masataka Yoshida Set to Start Rehab Assignment Soon originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Boston Red Sox, in the wake of trading Rafael Devers, need a new designated hitter. One of the players who could take over that role has been out due to injury, but after a new report, things are trending in the right direction. Advertisement According to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live on Twitter/X, Alex Cora said that designated hitter and outfielder Masataka Yoshida could go on a rehab assignment soon. This is great news for the Red Sox, as Yoshida is set to be a major factor in their search for a Devers replacement. When a player goes on a rehab assignment, that typically means that player is approaching his return to the roster. This move is a big one for the Red Sox, especially after trading away their designated hitter a week ago. Yoshida, while not expected to be a full-time designated hitter when he returns, could be part of a strong platoon. Cora previously referenced Yoshida and Rob Refsnyder splitting time in that spot. Advertisement Yoshida is currently on the 60-day injured list, but is nearing a return to the big leagues. While he's still a ways away, this update is a very encouraging sign and is positive overall, as it's the first sign that Yoshida is nearing his return. Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (7) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Yankees in the sixth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images In his Red Sox career, Yoshida has 25 home runs and a .285 batting average across 915 at-bats. He's a fairly consistent slugger, as each of the past two seasons he has 1.4 WAR and very similar averages. In 2023 Yoshida hit .289/.338/.445 with a .783 OPS and a 109 OPS+. In 2024, Yoshida hit .280/.349/.415 with a .765 OPS and a 115 OPS+. Both seasons were very close to one another, and upon his return, his numbers could very likely look the same. Advertisement If they did, Boston would be adding a huge bat to their lineup down the stretch as they look to lock up a Wild Card spot in a hotly contested AL Wild Card race. Yoshida's return isn't immediate, but his starting a rehab assignment is good news that he's closer to his return. Related: Red Sox Make Major Roster Announcement Ahead of Giants Series Related: Red Sox Urged to Trade With AL Rival For Projected All-Star Amid Rafael Devers Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Red Sox plan to unplug Jarren Duran, use different leadoff hitter vs. lefties
BOSTON — Before Saturday, Jarren Duran had started 69 games for the Red Sox this season — and led off in all of them. That changed with Rob Refsnyder hitting first for the second consecutive day against Yankees lefty Carlos Rodón in the second game of a three-game series. Duran, who was out of the lineup for just the second time all season Friday (before entering as a pinch-hitter in the eighth) has manned the top of Alex Cora's lineup all season against both righties (54 starts) and lefties (15). But with a different-looking roster, it appears Duran won't be guaranteed the leadoff spot against southpaws moving forward. On Saturday, Duran — sporting a .245 average and .628 OPS against southpaws this season — was hitting fifth. Advertisement 'We're gonna maximize Romy (Gonzalez) and (Refsnyder),' manager Alex Cora explained. 'Against righties, we'll go the way we've been doing it. Against lefties, with the personnel we have, this makes sense. Just maximizing those two, protecting Raffy, protecting Jarren. Probably, they're going to face more righties than lefties because of how the lineup is. 'The roster shifted last week and it makes sense doing it this way.' During a breakout 2024 season in which Duran started 160 games (and missed two because of a suspension for hurling a homophobic slur toward a fan in August), the speedster led off 153 times. Cora experimented with Ceddanne Rafaela in the top spot for two games in April, then mixed Refsnyder (three times) and Gonzalez (twice) into the leadoff spot against southpaws over the summer. For the large majority of the season, though, it was Duran — despite a .665 OPS against lefties — who was leading off, including in 42 of the final 43 games of the season after his suspension. Now though, with left-handed rookies Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony on the team and key contributors like Alex Bregman and Wilyer Abreu sidelined, Cora is reversing course. Having Refsnyder (.969 OPS against lefties this season) and Gonzalez (.953 OPS) available is a huge factor. Advertisement 'They've been really good about it,' Cora said. 'We talk about Ref, but Romy the last two years, it's not getting hits, it's hitting the ball hard and the quality of the at-bats. They're really good at what they do and we have to maximize those at-bats. We're in the business of winning and I truly believe against lefties, they have to play.' The Red Sox will face a big left-handed challenge in Sunday's series finale with Yankees ace Max Fried on the hill. Again expect Cora to make tough decisions that include putting Mayer and/or Anthony on the bench and having someone other than Duran leading off in an effort to put Refsnyder and Gonzalez at the top of the lineup. 'It doesn't matter if it's a reverse-splits guy,' Cora said. 'They're really good at what they do.' More Red Sox coverage Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hunter Dobbins beats Yankees for second time this week as Red Sox top rival New York, 4-3
Boston Red Sox's Rob Refsnyder, right, slides out at second as New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu, left, throws to first to complete a double play in the third inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Red Sox's Romy Gonzalez hits a one-run double, allowing Kristian Campbell to score, in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Red Sox's Trevor Story, right, scores near New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells, left, on a sacrifice fly by Marcelo Mayer in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) New York Yankees' Carlos Rodón delivers a pitch to a Boston Red Sox batter in the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Red Sox's Hunter Dobbins delivers a pitch to a New York Yankees batter in the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Red Sox's Hunter Dobbins delivers a pitch to a New York Yankees batter in the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Red Sox's Rob Refsnyder, right, slides out at second as New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu, left, throws to first to complete a double play in the third inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Red Sox's Romy Gonzalez hits a one-run double, allowing Kristian Campbell to score, in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Red Sox's Trevor Story, right, scores near New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells, left, on a sacrifice fly by Marcelo Mayer in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) New York Yankees' Carlos Rodón delivers a pitch to a Boston Red Sox batter in the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Red Sox's Hunter Dobbins delivers a pitch to a New York Yankees batter in the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) BOSTON (AP) — Hunter Dobbins pitched six shutout innings to beat the Yankees for the second time in a week, and the Boston Red Sox won their fourth straight game on Saturday night, 4-3 over New York. A week after saying he'd rather retire than pitch for the Yankees because his father was drafted by New York twice before being traded — and then having to defend his dad's story midweek — Dobbins (4-1) struck out five and gave up two singles. Advertisement Dobbins earned the victory against the Yankees last Sunday, too, when he worked five innings and allowed three runs, two on a first-inning, two-run homer by Aaron Judge. Judge went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts on Saturday, dropping his major league leading average from .390 to .384. Greg Weissert got the final three outs for his second save despite giving up a run. Austin Wells flew out to the track in center with two runners on. Carlos Rodón (8-5), who entered 7-1 with a 1.90 ERA in his previous 10 starts, gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in five-plus innings. Boston grabbed a 1-0 lead on Anthony Volpe's throwing error in the first that allowed Rob Refsnyder to score on Carlos Narváez's infield hit. Trevor Story had an RBI double in the fourth and Romy Gonzalez added one in the fifth. Advertisement Jasson Domínguez and Wells had consecutive RBI singles in the seventh for the Yankees. Key moment The Yankees were down by two runs and had two runners on with Judge looming on deck in the seventh when Red Sox catcher Narváez, who had a walk-off hit in the series opener against his former team, picked Domínguez off second to end the inning. Key stat Boston has won four of five against the Yankees this season. Up next Yankees LHP Max Fried (9-1, 1.84 ERA) is slated to face Red Sox RHP Brayan Bello (2-1, 3.96) in the series finale on Sunday. ___ AP MLB:
