Red Sox Explore Options to Replace Refsnyder's Lefty-Killing Role

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow identifies Nate Eaton and Kristian Campbell as potential candidates to fill the void left by Rob Refsnyder's departure.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 3:23pm

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With the departure of Rob Refsnyder, a valuable lefty-killing outfielder off the Red Sox bench, the team is exploring options to fill his old role. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has identified two potential candidates - Nate Eaton and Kristian Campbell - who could step up to contribute, especially against left-handed pitching.

Why it matters

Refsnyder's ability to provide a power-hitting boost off the bench against lefties was an important part of the Red Sox's roster construction in recent years. Finding the right player to fill that niche will be crucial for maintaining the team's offensive depth and versatility.

The details

Eaton, who was originally brought in on a minor league deal after the 2024 season, had a strong finish to the 2025 campaign, batting .370 with an .898 OPS over the final month. While he performed better against righties, Breslow sees him as a potential option to replace Refsnyder's role. Campbell, a 23-year-old prospect, is another candidate, though Breslow acknowledged they would have to weigh whether bench duty or regular playing time would be best for his development.

  • Refsnyder departed the Red Sox in free agency this offseason.
  • Eaton spent most of the first half of 2025 in Triple-A before earning more big league opportunities later in the season.

The players

Rob Refsnyder

A former Red Sox outfielder who provided a valuable lefty-killing role off the bench in recent years.

Craig Breslow

The Red Sox's chief baseball officer, who is tasked with identifying candidates to replace Refsnyder's old spot.

Nate Eaton

A Red Sox outfielder who had a strong finish to the 2025 season and is a potential candidate to fill Refsnyder's role.

Kristian Campbell

A 23-year-old Red Sox prospect who is also being considered as a potential replacement for Refsnyder's lefty-killing role off the bench.

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What they’re saying

“Nate Eaton is one who comes to mind and did a really nice job for us. The profile is probably a little bit different than Ref in terms of Eaton's game being built on defense and speed, but he also did contribute especially against left-handed pitching.”

— Craig Breslow, Chief Baseball Officer

“Kristian (Campbell) is someone who has gotten time in the offseason in the outfield and looks really good physically, so we'll want to get a look at him and give him a chance to show what got everybody so excited about him in '24 and at the beginning of '25.”

— Craig Breslow, Chief Baseball Officer

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to evaluate Eaton, Campbell, and any other potential candidates during spring training and the early part of the 2026 season to determine the best fit to replace Refsnyder's role.

The takeaway

Finding the right player to fill Refsnyder's lefty-killing role off the bench will be crucial for the Red Sox's offensive depth and versatility in 2026. Eaton and Campbell are two intriguing internal options, but the team may also explore external candidates to ensure they have the best possible solution.