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New York Yankees Prospect Profile Number 9: Rob Refsnyder

By Evan Halpine-Berger

Mar 31, 2015; Fort Myers, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder Rob Refsnyder (98) prepares to throw to first base in the first inning of the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2015; Fort Myers, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder Rob Refsnyder (98) prepares to throw to first base in the first inning of the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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A polished line-drive hitter who has raked at every stop of his minor league career, Rob Refsnyder has seemed to be on the cusp of establishing himself as a major league regular for the past three seasons. The 25-year-old Refsnyder has slashed .284/.366/.419 in just under 1000 Triple-A at bats, and seemingly has little remaining to prove against International League pitchers. All that remains for him is to finally get an extended chance.

In 2014, the Yankees played the 36-year-old husk of Brian Roberts for most of the season, while Refsnyder had a 137 wRC+ in 333 PAs for Scranton. The next season, New York chose to give a full season’s worth of PAs to Stephen Drew and his .201/.271/.381 batting line. Refsnyder finally got the call in September of 2015 when Drew was sidelined with a concussion. He responded by hitting .302/.348/.512 in 47 PAs down the stretch, providing a boost to the flailing Yankees’ offense and earning a start in the Wild Card game.

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Many assumed this would earn him his long-awaited starting job in 2016, but those hopes were dashed when GM Brian Cashman flipped swingman Adam Warren to the Cubs for Starlin Castro this winter. Refsnyder worked out at third base in an attempt to increase his flexibility and earn a bench spot this spring. He looked to be the frontrunner until an ugly weekend in which he was struck in the face by ground balls in consecutive contests earned him a demotion.

Early this season, Refsnyder has split his time between second, third, and even some right field, which was his position in college. He is unlikely ever to be even an average defender anywhere on the diamond thanks to a lack of range, clumsy mechanics, and fringy arm strength. However, his plus bat should allow him to be passable as a major league regular, or at worst, a valuable bench option. With the Yankees hurting for offense in 2016, it seems only a matter of time before Refsnyder gets his shot.

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