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New York Yankees: Rob Refsnyder Named Top-10 Second Baseman Prospect

By Kenneth Teape

Jul 17, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Rob Refsnyder (64) dives for a single hit by Seattle Mariners center fielder Austin Jackson (not pictured) during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 17, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Rob Refsnyder (64) dives for a single hit by Seattle Mariners center fielder Austin Jackson (not pictured) during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees have one of the top second baseman prospects in all of baseball in Rob Refsnyder, who finished in the top-10 of MLB.com’s rankings.

When discussing the New York Yankees during the offseason, it is usually because they are in the running for big time free agents. That has not been the case in recent offseasons, as the Yankees have been trying to manage their payroll because of inflated contracts for veterans that they are waiting to run their course.

What the Yankees are not usually mentioned for is their farm system, which has been improving in recent seasons. Last year we saw a glimpse into the future, as Luis Severino had a great showing in the rotation and Greg Bird did well replacing Mark Teixeira at first base. There is even more talent on the way, such as catcher Gary Sanchez and outfielder Aaron Judge, who are just waiting for opportunities to open up and we could see with the team at some point this season.

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Another player we saw last season but still is considered a prospect is second baseman Rob Refsnyder. Refsnyder made his MLB debut last July 11th against the Boston Red Sox. He didn’t receive much playing time with the major league club, but performed when given the chance. In 47 plate appearances, Refsnyder slashed .302/.348/.512 as he handled himself well at the plate, slugging two home runs and taking three walks.

Hitting has never been the problem for Refsnyder, as he has done that since he was in college. Refsnyder was named Most Outstanding Player in the 2012 College World Series, helping lead Arizona to the title. He hit .476 with two home runs during that time and earned the Most Outstanding Player designation. But, that came as a corner outfielder; the Yankees have since moved Refsnyder to second base because his power better profiles there.

That is where the negative for Refsnyder comes, as he has a lot of work to do defensively still at second base. It is a work in progress, as Refsnyder still is not a smooth defender at second base. He has only been there for just over three years, but the Yankees seem committed to the change. He is not suited to play on the left side of the infield, and it is unlikely that he moves back to the outfield, especially with the Yankees and the logjam they already have there.

But, Refsnyder is easily the best pure hitter in the Yankees system, which is what landed him on MLB.com’s prospect rankings list. Refsnyder has been ranked the ninth best second base prospect in baseball by Jonathan Mayo. Here is what Mayo has to say about Refsnyder:

"An outfielder at Arizona, Refsnyder’s transition to second base has been slow and steady. It’s always encouraging when a solid hitter in the Minors performs well in his big league debut, and that’s exactly what Refsnyder did in 2015. Despite that, the Yankees did acquire Starlin Castro from the Cubs this offseason, leaving Refsnyder’s future on the right side of the infield in New York in doubt."

Starlin Catro is what truly clouds the future of Refsnyder with the Yankees. The Yankees like Refsnyder enough that he was named to their AL Wild Card game roster, but they obviously still have question marks as he was unable to unseat the struggling Stephen Drew or underwhelming Dustin Ackley for the job. Castro will be the everyday second baseman, but also has experience playing shortstop and could play third base as well.

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The versatility of Castro could open up a spot eventually for Refsnyder, but for the time being he will probably stay down in the minor leagues to get at-bats and continue working on his game defensively. If he can ever develop into an adequate defender at second base, the Yankees can move Castro to third base, replacing Chase Headley and giving the Yankees some nice youth and athleticism in their infield with Castro, Refsnyder and Didi Gregorius.

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