Minnesota Twins: Ranking the Future Impacts of MiLB Signings
By Otto Johnson
Minnesota Twins Minor League Free Agent Signing No. 8: Rob Refsnyder
- Talent: 4
- Playing Time: 1
- Past History: 2
- Overall Grade: 2.33
What do you get when you cross a former top prospect with no speed and a loaded depth chart plus a fast start? Rob Refsnyder. The former No. 5 prospect in the Yankees’ system has some of the best tools on this list, but could never get it really going.
In 2015, Refsnyder made his debut, hitting .302 and 2 homers in his first 16 games, and it looked like the team had a future stud on their hands. Just two years later, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for struggling prospect Ryan McBroom and now has to settle for a minor league deal. What happened?
Well for starters, Refsnyder struggled to stay healthy, playing 230 games at the Major League Level and in the Minors, from 2017-2020. For context, Byron Buxton has played 334 games. While Buxton has been given more chances, it’s been very hard for Refsnyder to stay in good shape.
In addition to a lack of health, Refsnyder hasn’t had a lot of success at the big league level after that quick stint in 2015. Throw in the fact that he is buried on the depth chart behind Luis Arraez, whoever they bring in as the utility guy, and Nick Gordon at second base and at least six outfielders, he will likely face an impossible road to making an impact.