Rob Refsnyder is a Swiss Army knife. At least, that’s what the Yankees are hoping. As a right-handed hitter, Refsnyder is a valuable asset that has shown a lot of promise at the plate. There’s just one minor problem: With Starlin Castro at second, Refsnyder would have to find a new position if he wants to make it onto the bench and contribute to this team throughout the season.
The Yankees solution is to move Refsnyder to third and get him some reps during spring training. If he shows that he’s capable of covering the hot corner, then he will most likely earn a bench spot. This could come at a crucial moment in Refsnyder’s career where his bat appears to be big league ready, while still needing to develop a bit in the field.
Refsnyder hit .302 in 2015 in an extremely limited sample size of only 47 plate appearances. In those limited plate appearances, Refsnyder showed some plate discipline and patience. He swung at just 20.5% of pitches outside of the strike zone. Compare that to another player with limited plate appearances, let’s say Greg Bird, who swung at 27.1% of pitches outside of the strike zone. That number will likely go up with more plate appearances, but hopefully he continues to prove himself as a patient and disciplined hitter.
With around 224 plate appearances projected for the 2016 season, the Yankees will get a better idea of what they have in Refsnyder in terms of the total package. With experience at second base, in the outfield, and now as an impromptu third baseman, there’s potential for Refsnyder to prove himself at the plate and in the field as a very mobile solution to more than one issue during the 2016 season. To do that though, he first has to earn that coveted bench position. And the third base route appears to the best option.
Having a talented, capable young player backing up third base would be huge, as Chase Headley comes off a defensively abysmal 2015.
In 2015, Headley had 23 errors, almost three times more than 2014, and more than 2013 and 2012 combined. And his fielding woes will only increase as he ages. A young player like Refsnyder could develop into something of a utility player, holding down the fort at more than one position when the need arises. If he’s ready for that role, that remains to be seen.
