In a report made by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Yankees are leaning toward a platoon of Rob Refsnyder and Dustin Ackley at second base for the 2016 season. Heyman also noted the Yankees are keeping their options open in free-agency, as they reportedly like Martin Prado and Ben Zobrist to potentially take over the second base duties. The Yankees had a wide range of second baseman this season, from Stephen Drew to Brendan Ryan, and Jose Pirela to Refsnyder.
The Yankees have struggled to find a replacement to Robinson Cano, who bolted for the Seattle Mariners after the 2013 season for more money in the Emerald City. Drew was the primary second baseman for the Yankees this past season, as the 32-year-old hit .201. The positive for Drew was the 17 long balls he hit on the year, while driving in 44 runs. He is eligible for free-agency after the conclusion of this season.
Ackley, who was acquired from the Mariners mid-season, had a career average of .243 with Seattle in his five year career. In limited at-bats with the Yankees, he boosted his numbers to a .288 clip with four home runs. The 27-year-old utility man was a former second overall pick in the 2009 draft and has an opportunity to resurrect his career with the Yankees.
Refsnyder, who is the highly-touted second base prospect for the Yankees, was called up this past season and provided an offensive spark at times. A fifth round pick in the 2012 draft out of Arizona hit .302 with two home runs in 43 at-bats in his first taste of the Majors. The 24-year-old has impressed the organization with his bat, but the team sent the young second baseman to the minor leagues to start the season to fine tune his defense. The outfielder turned infielder has been in the midst of a revolving door at second base after Cano left the team, and he may finally get to show what he has with more playing time.
With the Yankees looking for a long-term answer at the two-bag, Refsnyder and Ackley have a chance to show the organization they can count on them and not have to look for players outside of the organization.
