Heading into the offseason, it appeared as if the Yankees would be content with a platoon of Rob Refsynder and Dustin Ackley at second base for the start of the 2016 season. That plan changed when the club acquired Starlin Castro from the Chicago Cubs, leaving doubt as to whether or not Refsynder could still impact the big league team this season.
Refsnyder is willing to do anything he can to crack the Opening Day roster, even if that means switching positions. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the Yankees have considered giving Refsnyder, their No. 9 ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline, some reps at third base this spring.
In 16 games with the big league club last season, Refsnyder posted a .302 batting average with two home runs and five RBIs. Although it was a small sample size, the organization feels that the 24-year-old is capable of putting up good numbers against big league pitching.
The big question mark around Refsynder has always been on the defensive side of the ball. As he transitioned from a right fielder, his natural position, to a second baseman in the minor leagues, Refsynder definitely has had some growing pains. Although he has had his share of difficulties defensively, the Yankees believe his fielding ability has definitely improved since he made the position switch.
According to Hoch’s report, Refsnyder has been working on his defensive skills with infield coach Joe Espada and bench coach Rob Thomson at the club’s minor league complex. If the Yankees ask him to try a new position, he’ll be up for the challenge. Here’s what Refsnyder told reporters about how he feels about the possibility of him switching positions.
“Shoot, I’m up for anything. I was playing right field in college a couple of years ago, so I’m not going to rule anything out. I’m optimistic and kind of open for anything.”
If Refsynder can handle the position switch, it could only help the Yankees moving forward. With a aging team in need of some versatility, having the ability to play multiple positions could force the team to keep him on the big league roster.
It may take some time to get comfortable at third base, but if the Yankees are serious about keeping Refsynder with the big league club this season, a position switch might be the only way the 24-year-old finds a way to get playing time in the Bronx this season.
