According to George A. King III of the New York Post, the Tampa Bay Rays have shown interest in trading for Rob Refsnyder. Reports have surfaced that the Yankees are willing to entertain offers for the 26-year-old utility man.
During Sunday’s spring training action against the Rays, Refsnyder was inserted into the game in the fifth inning. In an attempt to show off the 26-year-old, the Yankees had him play an inning in left field before shifting him over to right field.
At the plate, Refsnyder was 1-for-1 with a double and a walk. In 24 games this spring, he’s posted a slash line of .195/.313/.341 in 41 plate appearances.
With the Yankees needing to fill the void at shortstop due to Didi Gregorius‘ injury, Refsnyder could be the odd-man out in the Bronx. Due to the injury, the Yankees may be forced to open a spot on the 40-man roster to add a shortstop to the opening day squad. One candidate to replace Gregorius would be Pete Kozma.
Refsynder has some big league experience over each of the past two seasons. However, the Yankees haven’t been able to find a consistent role for him at the Major League level. In 74 big league games, Refsnyder has posted a slash line of .262/.333/.354.
For interested teams, Refsnyder versatility could be a very valuable asset. With the ability to play first base, second base, third base and multiple outfield positions, the 26-year-old could end up being used all over the diamond, similar to Ben Zobrist of the Cubs.
Refsnyder is also a very consistent hitter, evidenced by his .290 batting average throughout his five-year professional career which includes the minors. If he can hit at a high level, it’s likely he’ll stick on someone’s big league roster.
It will be interesting to see if the Yankees pull the trigger on a deal. Is the organization ready to give up on a once highly-touted prospect, or do they still think there is a role for him in the Bronx?
