Rob Refsnyder
Robert Daniel Refsnyder (born March 26, 1991) is a South Korean-born American professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB).[1][2] Born in Seoul and adopted as an infant by an American family, Refsnyder grew up in the United States and developed his skills at the University of Arizona, where he posted strong offensive numbers before being selected by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft.[3][2] He made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2015 as a power-hitting prospect but transitioned into a journeyman role, appearing for six teams over a decade-long career marked by a .255 batting average, 33 home runs, and 154 RBIs in 510 games.[1][4] In 2024 with the Red Sox, Refsnyder achieved career highs with 93 games played, 77 hits, and 11 home runs, demonstrating consistent plate discipline and defensive versatility across outfield positions.[2] At age 34, he has expressed intent to continue playing beyond the 2025 season.[5]Early Life
Adoption and Family
Rob Refsnyder was born Kim Jung-tae on March 26, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea. At approximately five months of age, he was adopted through Holt International by Clint and Jane Refsnyder, a couple of German and Irish ancestry residing in Orange County, California. The adoption process involved travel from South Korea to the United States, where Refsnyder was renamed Robert.[6][7][8] The Refsnyders had adopted Refsnyder's older sister, Elizabeth, from South Korea three years prior; she later distinguished herself as a talented softball player. Clint Refsnyder, standing at 6 feet 8 inches, had played basketball at Muhlenberg College, contributing to a family atmosphere oriented toward athletic pursuits. The family provided a stable upbringing in Laguna Hills, California, where Refsnyder spent his early years immersed in American culture and sports traditions.[8][9][10]Childhood in Arizona
Refsnyder grew up in Laguna Hills, a suburb in Orange County, Southern California, after being adopted by Clint and Jane Refsnyder.[11][10] His pre-high school years involved early exposure to competitive youth sports, particularly baseball, where family recollections highlight moments of enthusiasm such as rounding bases at age 12.[12] No records indicate residence or primary development in Arizona during this formative period; the state's baseball prominence became relevant later in his amateur career decisions. Limited documentation exists on specific youth leagues or academic performance prior to high school, though his multi-sport aptitude—encompassing baseball, basketball, and football—emerged early in California's competitive environment.[8]Amateur Career
High School Achievements
Refsnyder attended Laguna Hills High School in Laguna Hills, California, where he starred in baseball as a versatile outfielder and infielder, showcasing strong hitting skills that drew early scout interest.[13] Upon graduating in 2009, he held the school's records for the highest career batting average and the highest single-season batting average, reflecting consistent offensive production throughout his high school tenure.[14][15] During his senior year, Refsnyder earned First Team All-CIF Southern Section honors and was named MVP of the Pacific Coast League, honors that underscored his leadership and impact on the team despite competing in a competitive California Interscholastic Federation environment.[16] He also participated in high-profile amateur showcases, including Perfect Game events, where his athletic frame, arm strength (clocked at 85 mph), and lively actions earned him a spot on the Top Prospect Team.[13] These accomplishments balanced his multi-sport involvement in football and basketball, demonstrating disciplined athletic development that influenced his decision to pursue collegiate baseball at the University of Arizona rather than entering professional ranks directly after high school.[2][17]College Performance at Arizona
Refsnyder played three seasons for the Arizona Wildcats from 2010 to 2012, transitioning from a high-average contact hitter as a freshman to a more disciplined power threat by his junior year. In his freshman season of 2010, he appeared in 57 games with 55 starts across multiple positions including designated hitter, second base, third base, left field, and first base, batting .344 while earning Fort Worth All-Regional Team honors during the NCAA Tournament.[18] His sophomore year in 2011 saw him start all 60 games primarily in right field, posting a .320 batting average, .371 on-base percentage, and .498 slugging percentage, with improvements in extra-base hits including 13 doubles, 6 triples, and 6 home runs.[17] [18]| Year | G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 57 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | .344 | — | — |
| 2011 | 60 | 241 | 77 | 13 | 6 | 6 | 55 | 16 | 31 | .320 | .371 | .498 |
| 2012 | 65 | 258 | 94 | 19 | 4 | 8 | 66 | 34 | 26 | .364 | .453 | .562 |
Professional Career
Draft and Minor League Development with Yankees (2012-2015)
The New York Yankees selected Refsnyder in the fifth round, with the 187th overall pick, of the 2012 MLB Draft out of the University of Arizona.[1] He signed with the organization on July 6, 2012, and reported to Single-A Charleston RiverDogs of the South Atlantic League, where he appeared in 46 games, batting .241 with 4 home runs and 22 RBI while striking out 25 times in 179 plate appearances.[17] This initial professional adjustment reflected a dip from his college hitting prowess against amateur pitching, as Refsnyder adapted to more advanced velocity and breaking balls in the Yankees' system, which prioritized athletic tools like speed and arm strength in the outfield and infield.[17] In 2013, Refsnyder split time between Charleston and High-A Tampa Yankees of the Florida State League, earning a midseason promotion to Tampa after a strong start at the lower level.[22] He hit .370 in 13 games with Charleston but established himself at Tampa with a .283 average over 117 games, including 6 home runs, 51 RBI, and 70 strikeouts, demonstrating improved plate discipline with a walk rate around 10%.[17] His progression highlighted the Yankees' emphasis on contact-oriented hitters with gap power, as Refsnyder reduced his strikeout rate to about 18% while adding extra-base hits against High-A pitching.[17] Refsnyder advanced rapidly in 2014, beginning at Double-A Trenton Thunder of the Eastern League before a promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders of the International League.[17] At Trenton, he posted a .342 average in 60 games with 6 home runs and 30 RBI, striking out 38 times; at Scranton, he maintained a .300 average across 77 games with 8 home runs and 33 RBI, though with 67 strikeouts indicating ongoing adjustments to Triple-A breakers and velocity.[17] This dual-level performance underscored his bat-to-ball skills and emerging power, with slugging percentages above .500 at both stops, positioning him as a versatile corner outfielder and second baseman in the system without significant injury interruptions.[17]| Year | Team (Level) | G | BA | HR | RBI | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Charleston (A) | 46 | .241 | 4 | 22 | 25 |
| 2013 | Tampa (A+), Charleston (A) | 130 | .286 | 6 | 57 | 82 |
| 2014 | Scranton/WB (AAA), Trenton (AA) | 137 | .318 | 14 | 63 | 105 |
| 2015 | Scranton/WB (AAA) | 117 | .271 | 9 | 56 | 73 |
MLB Debut and Yankees Tenure (2015-2017)
Rob Refsnyder made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Yankees on July 11, 2015, against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, entering as a defensive replacement at second base in the eighth inning of a 6-2 loss. In his first at-bat the following day, Refsnyder recorded his initial MLB hit, a single off Red Sox reliever Junichi Tazawa, before hitting his first career home run later in the game—a two-run shot over the Green Monster off left-hander Rich Hill.[25] Limited to 16 games in 2015 amid a crowded Yankees outfield and infield, Refsnyder posted a .302 batting average with 13 hits, two home runs, and five RBIs in 43 at-bats, though his seven strikeouts represented a modest 16% rate in a small sample.[1] As a right-handed batter, early exposure highlighted potential platoon value against left-handed pitching, where his power showed in the home runs, but defensive questions at multiple positions persisted, tempering expectations for an everyday role despite prior prospect hype.[26] In 2016, Refsnyder appeared in 58 games, primarily as a utility player across second base, right field, and left field, batting .250 with 38 hits, no home runs, and 12 RBIs in 152 at-bats, marred by a 20% strikeout rate (30 strikeouts).[1] His role remained sporadic, often platooned against lefties, but inconsistent production against right-handers and below-average defense limited opportunities, revealing gaps between prospect projections and major-league reality.[27] Refsnyder's 2017 tenure began with struggles, including a weak spring training that contributed to his exclusion from the Opening Day roster, followed by a recall but only 20 games played with a .135 average (5-for-37), no RBIs, and eight strikeouts.[1] On July 19, the Yankees designated him for assignment to clear roster space, reflecting organizational doubts about his defensive versatility and offensive reliability beyond niche matchups; he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays four days later for minor-league first baseman Ryan McBroom.[28] Empirical data underscored platoon limitations, with career Yankees splits showing efficacy primarily versus left-handers in limited action, but overall metrics failed to justify sustained big-league time.Trades to Blue Jays, Rays, and Diamondbacks (2017-2019)
On July 23, 2017, the New York Yankees traded Refsnyder to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league first baseman Ryan McBroom.[29] Refsnyder appeared in 32 games for Toronto that season, primarily as a second baseman and outfielder, but struggled offensively with a .196 batting average, one double, no home runs, and zero RBIs over 51 at-bats.[1] His overall slash line of .196/.281/.216 yielded an OPS of .496, reflecting limited contact skills and power output in limited opportunities.[1] Following the 2017 season, the Blue Jays designated Refsnyder for assignment, leading to his claim by the Cleveland Indians on November 20.[30] The Indians then traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays on March 27, 2018, for cash considerations, positioning him as a utility outfielder capable of playing left, right, and first base.[31] In 40 games with the Rays, Refsnyder posted a .167 batting average with three doubles, two home runs, and five RBIs in 84 at-bats, along with a .588 OPS that underscored ongoing inconsistencies in plate discipline and extra-base production.[1] He was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay on June 18 before being outrighted to Triple-A Durham, and the Rays non-tendered him after the season on November 2, granting free agency.[32][30] Refsnyder signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on November 26, 2018, but did not secure an MLB roster spot in 2019.[30] He spent the early spring in Arizona's camp before the Diamondbacks traded him to the Cincinnati Reds on April 7 for a player to be named later, limiting his time in the organization to minor league assignments with no major league at-bats.[33] This period highlighted Refsnyder's transition to journeyman status, marked by brief tenures and sub-.200 averages that contrasted with earlier minor league promise, as teams sought versatile but low-cost depth options amid roster constraints.[1]Brief Stints with Reds and Rangers (2019-2020)
On April 7, 2019, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded outfielder Rob Refsnyder to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for a player to be named later.[34] Refsnyder was assigned to the Reds' Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats, where he posted a .315 batting average with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs over 85 games, demonstrating solid minor-league production but failing to earn a major-league call-up amid organizational depth in the outfield.[35] The Reds released him on August 26, 2019, reflecting his inability to translate minor-league success into a roster spot during a season of roster constraints and his career-long challenges with consistent power and plate discipline at the MLB level.[30] Following his release, Refsnyder signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers on December 5, 2019, entering the pandemic-shortened 2020 season with an invitation to spring training.[30] He secured a spot on the Rangers' Opening Day roster, delayed by the COVID-19 outbreak, and appeared in 15 games, logging 30 at-bats with a .200 batting average (6-for-30), one double, four walks, and 11 strikeouts, yielding an on-base percentage of .265 and slugging percentage of .233.[1] These limited opportunities underscored the volatility of his career trajectory, as inconsistent contact rates and a lack of standout defensive metrics limited him to utility roles without securing extended playing time.[36] On August 27, 2020, the Rangers outrighted Refsnyder to their Double-A affiliate, the Frisco RoughRiders, after selecting his contract from the alternate training site earlier in the month, effectively ending his brief major-league stint with the organization amid the condensed 60-game schedule and heightened roster turnover.[2] Across these transitions, Refsnyder recorded zero home runs and minimal extra-base hits in MLB action for 2020, highlighting empirical gaps in sustained offensive output that contributed to his frequent team changes during a period of league-wide uncertainty.[37]Minnesota Twins and Post-Pandemic Adjustment (2021)
Following brief appearances with the Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Refsnyder signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins on November 23, 2020, including an invitation to spring training.[38] He began 2021 with the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, batting .283 with 10 home runs in 51 games before his contract was selected by the Twins on May 15. This call-up marked a transition to a more stable bench role amid the Twins' outfield depth, featuring players like Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, and Alex Kirilloff, where Refsnyder primarily served as a platoon option against left-handed pitchers.[39] In 51 major league games with Minnesota, Refsnyder posted a .245 batting average, .325 on-base percentage, and .338 slugging percentage, with 2 home runs and 12 RBIs in 157 plate appearances.[1] His performance reflected adaptation to a specialized role, drawing 17 walks for a career-notable on-base improvement and striking out 40 times—a 28.8% rate that, while elevated, supported clutch contributions versus lefties in limited matchups.[36] Advanced metrics underscored his utility, with an 88 wRC+ indicating slight above-replacement value in a reserve capacity, bolstered by expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) aligning with league-average contact quality despite modest power output.[40] Refsnyder's stint was interrupted by a hamstring injury in mid-June, leading to a rehab assignment and activation on July 20, after which he continued in spot duty through September.[2] Postseason, the Twins outrighted him to Triple-A on November 5, 2021, prompting Refsnyder to elect free agency on November 7.[41] This period highlighted his post-pandemic stabilization as a right-handed bat option, contrasting prior journeyman inconsistency with reliable depth provision for a Twins club navigating roster flux.[38]Boston Red Sox Era (2022-2025)
Rob Refsnyder signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox as a priority free agent on December 21, 2021, receiving an invitation to spring training.[42] His contract was selected from Triple-A Worcester on April 19, 2022, marking his entry into the major league roster as a right-handed outfielder primarily utilized in platoon situations against left-handed pitchers.[42] Throughout his tenure, Refsnyder served as a bench contributor, providing consistent depth in the outfield with a focus on matchups where his right-handed batting offered value, though his overall playing time remained limited due to the demands of a full-time role.[43] In 2023, Refsnyder agreed to a $1.2 million salary, avoiding arbitration, and later signed a one-year extension on June 3 for $1.85 million in 2024, followed by a two-year deal covering 2024-2025 worth $3.95 million.[44] His performance stabilized as a platoon specialist, earning the Red Sox Jensen Spirit Award in 2022 for his positive clubhouse presence.[2] By 2025, Refsnyder appeared in 70 games, batting .269 with a .354 on-base percentage, .484 slugging percentage, nine home runs, and 30 RBIs over 182 at-bats, achieving an .838 OPS that highlighted his effectiveness in limited opportunities, particularly at Fenway Park where he posted a .300/.391/.470 line.[45] [46] Despite the Red Sox finishing third in the AL East with an 89-73 record and missing the playoffs, Refsnyder's role emphasized reliability over star power, with no standout postseason contributions due to the team's elimination.[1] Following the exercise of his 2025 option, Refsnyder became a free agent after the season, expressing intent to continue playing in 2026 at age 35, with reports indicating ongoing discussions for a potential reunion with Boston to maintain outfield depth.[47] [48] His career phase underscored longevity as a matchup-dependent veteran, offering solid production against lefties but underscoring limitations in everyday viability.[49]Playing Style and Abilities
Offensive Strengths and Weaknesses
Refsnyder exhibits strong plate discipline, evidenced by a career-low chase rate of 22.6% during the 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox, which ranked as the lowest on the team and contributed to his ability to draw walks at an 11.5% clip that year.[50][36] This selectivity has underpinned above-average weighted runs created plus (wRC+) marks in platoon situations, such as his 146 wRC+ in 177 plate appearances during 2022, highlighting efficiency in limited, favorable matchups.[51] As a right-handed batter, Refsnyder demonstrates pronounced platoon splits, posting a .302 batting average with 7 home runs in 138 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers in recent seasons, including strong performance with runners in scoring position.[52][53] His isolated power (.169 ISO career) manifests particularly versus opposite-handed pitching, where Fenway Park's dimensions have amplified pull-side home run output, aligning with a hard-hit rate exceeding 40% in optimal conditions.[36] However, Refsnyder's strikeout rate remains a persistent weakness, exceeding 25% in 2025 (54 strikeouts in 209 plate appearances) and hovering above 20% throughout his career, often stemming from swing-and-miss tendencies against breaking pitches from right-handers.[36][1] This has fueled a "prospect bust" narrative from his early Yankees hype—where minor-league averages topped .300—but translated to journeyman status in MLB, with reverse splits showing diminished production against same-handed arms, limiting everyday viability.[24] Empirically, his career .255 batting average and 33 home runs underscore contact challenges over raw power, as high whiff rates on sliders correlate with sub-.250 averages versus righties in aggregate splits.[1][36]Defensive and Baserunning Metrics
Refsnyder has exhibited outfield versatility, logging 356 games primarily in left field (191 games) and right field (145 games), with supplementary time in center field (54 games) and limited infield stints at second base (44 games) and first base (42 games).[1] His career outfield fielding percentage stands at .985, with 9 errors, 19 assists, and 2 double plays across 2,257 innings, reflecting adequate but unremarkable glovework in low-opportunity samples.[1] Advanced defensive metrics portray Refsnyder as below average overall, with FanGraphs' total defensive runs at -26.7 for his career, driven by shortcomings in range and positioning rather than arm play.[36] In seasons with expanded playing time, such as 2024 (93 games), his UZR registered -7.0 and DRS -5, indicating negative contributions per opportunity.[36] Statcast data reinforces this, showing -1 Outs Above Average in the outfield and zero arm value, despite arm strength velocity in the 84th percentile.[33] These figures align with critiques of Refsnyder as a platoon specialist whose metrics limit full-time viability, particularly against right-handed pitching where defensive demands intensify.[36] Baserunning has been a minor asset, with career totals of 22 stolen bases against 9 caught stealing (71% success rate), but low attempt volume signals conservative usage tied to modest speed.[1] FanGraphs' baserunning runs (BsR) tally -2.6, underscoring inefficiency in advancing on hits and taking extra bases.[36] Sprint speed averages 26.7 feet per second (31st percentile), evidencing age-related decline post-30 that curtails aggressive basepath decisions.[33] Early minor league seasons showed higher stolen base output (e.g., 23 in 2013), but MLB trends reflect a shift toward positional value over speed.[36]Career Statistics and Milestones
Seasonal Batting and Advanced Metrics
Refsnyder's MLB career spans 541 games across 10 seasons from 2015 to 2025, yielding a .255 batting average, 343 hits, 33 home runs, 154 RBIs, and a .732 OPS, with production peaking in his mid-thirties amid platoon usage.[1] Early seasons featured limited opportunities and inconsistency, while post-2021 output trended upward, including his first 10-home-run campaign in 2024 at age 33 and a career-best .838 OPS in 2025.[36] These late-career gains coincided with 300 total hits surpassed by 2023 and sustained above-average wRC+ (103 career), though without All-Star recognition.[1] The table below details seasonal batting statistics, highlighting year-by-year progression in key outputs:| Year | Team(s) | G | AB | H | HR | RBI | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | NYY | 16 | 43 | 13 | 2 | 5 | .302 | .348 | .512 | .859 |
| 2016 | NYY | 58 | 152 | 38 | 0 | 12 | .250 | .328 | .309 | .637 |
| 2017 | NYY/TOR | 52 | 88 | 15 | 0 | 0 | .170 | .247 | .216 | .463 |
| 2018 | TBR | 40 | 84 | 14 | 2 | 5 | .167 | .314 | .274 | .588 |
| 2020 | TEX | 15 | 30 | 6 | 0 | 1 | .200 | .265 | .233 | .498 |
| 2021 | MIN | 51 | 139 | 34 | 2 | 12 | .245 | .325 | .338 | .663 |
| 2022 | BOS | 57 | 153 | 47 | 6 | 21 | .307 | .384 | .497 | .881 |
| 2023 | BOS | 89 | 202 | 50 | 1 | 28 | .248 | .365 | .317 | .682 |
| 2024 | BOS | 93 | 272 | 77 | 11 | 40 | .283 | .359 | .471 | .830 |
| 2025 | BOS | 70 | 182 | 49 | 9 | 30 | .269 | .354 | .484 | .838 |