TAMPA — As fans clamor for the new generation of Yankees to rise through the minors and take The Bronx by storm, one of the players who used to grab their attention is wondering about his future.
After a disappointing 2016, Rob Refsnyder admitted he couldn’t predict how this season looks for him.
“I don’t know where I fit on the roster,” Refsnyder said on Sunday after taking batting practice with Aaron Judge at the team’s minor league complex. “We’ll see what happens. I’m going about my business and try to improve my game because I wasn’t happy with the way I played last year at all. On the offensive side, I felt like it was the bare minimum I could have contributed. I want to do a lot more.”
Refsnyder struggled at the plate all season and finished with an OPS of .637, while bouncing around defensively.
“I was learning a bunch of new positions last year, so I focused a lot more on hitting this offseason,” Refsnyder said. “I felt like I haven’t been focusing on offense as much as should have.”
That focus continued this weekend. After arriving in Tampa on Saturday night, Refsnyder said he called Judge, and they decided to add an unscheduled workout Sunday, which was supposed to be an off day.
It’s understandable why they would want the extra work, both coming off rocky seasons — albeit for different reasons.
A year ago, Refsnyder played 27 major league games in the outfield, 25 at first base and just eight at second.
And he was mostly dreadful offensively. After hitting a double in each of his first four starts, he had just five extra-base hits (all doubles) in his next 52 games and was unable to capitalize on the opportunity presented by the rash of injuries the Yankees faced at first base.
This year, with Greg Bird expected to get the bulk of playing time at first and Matt Holliday and Chris Carter capable of filling in, Refsnyder may have even less chance to play. Ronald Torreyes proved a capable utility infielder, and there are prospects on the way if the Yankees need more outfielders.
If Judge delivers what the Yankees hope he will in right, Refsnyder could be out of luck — and Refsnyder is confident Judge is ready to take the next step.
“I know he’s trying to simplify a lot of things,” said Refsnyder, who hit with Judge this offseason in California and Arizona. “This is a big year for him. His impact can be more substantial than most guys because of his body type.”
Refsnyder has seen Judge up close, making stops together throughout the minors. Now Refsnyder will be 26 next month and Judge 25 in April.
“He put in a lot of work,” Refsnyder said. “I think last year he got a short sample size and you want to do as much as you can. But you look at his track record, he gets to a level, gets his feet wet and then has success. I attribute that to his work ethic. He’s willing to try new things, and I’m looking forward to see what he does.”
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