Rob Refsnyder Bio
Robert Daniel Refsnyder was born March 26, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea, and is an American professional baseball player known for his versatility as an outfielder and utility infielder. Refsnyder reached the major leagues with the New York Yankees in 2015 and, after stops with several clubs, is listed with the Seattle Mariners organization in 2026.
Early Life and Background
Robert Daniel Refsnyder was born Kim Jung-tae in Seoul and was adopted at five months by a couple from Southern California. He grew up in Laguna Hills, California, where he attended Laguna Hills High School and competed in baseball, basketball, and football, emerging as a multi-sport athlete during his high school years.
Refsnyder enrolled at the University of Arizona and played college baseball for the Arizona Wildcats. As a junior he hit .364 in 2012 and played a leading role in Arizona’s run to the 2012 College World Series title, earning the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
Path to Baseball
Refsnyder drew attention as both a hitter and a versatile defender while at the University of Arizona and during collegiate summer play with the Wareham Gatemen. The New York Yankees selected him in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB draft, beginning his professional development in the Yankees’ farm system.
During his minor-league progression Refsnyder refined his approach at the plate and expanded his defensive utility, playing multiple infield positions and preparing for a major-league role as a left-handed bat who could provide depth across the diamond.
Rob Refsnyder Career
Early Career (2012–2015)
After signing with the New York Yankees in 2012, Refsnyder made his professional debut with the Charleston RiverDogs and advanced through the organization over the next three seasons. He posted notable on-base figures and a strong batting average in Double-A and Triple-A, earning recognition as one of the Yankees’ top prospects by 2014.
Refsnyder made his major-league debut on July 11, 2015, with the Yankees and recorded his first two major-league hits the following day, including a two-run home run. He finished the 2015 regular season with a .302 average in limited action and started the Yankees’ American League Wild Card Game that year.
New York Yankees Breakthrough (2015–2017)
During the 2015–2017 period Refsnyder split time between the Yankees and their Triple-A affiliate, working to establish himself as a utility option. He saw action primarily at second base early in his Yankees tenure and later at first base, posting serviceable averages in parts of multiple seasons while competing for consistent playing time.
In 2016 he returned to the majors multiple times and served as a left-handed bat who could fill in across the infield. By mid-2017 roster moves and acquisitions reduced his opportunities in New York, and he was designated for assignment in July 2017 as the Yankees cleared space on the 40-man roster.
Journeyman Years and Minor-League Success (2017–2021)
Following his time with New York, Refsnyder played for several organizations, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers, and Minnesota Twins. He alternated between major-league opportunities and extended Triple-A assignments, compiling productive minor-league seasons that frequently led to promotions back to the majors.
Notably, Refsnyder delivered a strong postseason performance for the Durham Bulls in 2018, batting .367 in the International League postseason and earning postseason MVP honors as Durham captured the International League championship. He also posted strong offensive numbers in Triple-A with the Louisville Bats in 2019.
Boston Red Sox Era (2022–2025)
Refsnyder signed a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox ahead of the 2022 season and made multiple returns to Boston’s active roster as a fourth outfielder and designated hitter. He provided a left-handed bench bat and occasional starts in the outfield, contributing against both left- and right-handed pitching while also spending time with the Worcester Red Sox in Triple-A when roster movement required.
Across his tenure with Boston through 2025, Refsnyder produced several productive stretches at the plate. In 2024 he appeared in 93 games, batting .283 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs. In the Red Sox option year he hit .269 with nine home runs in 70 games and made his first postseason appearance since 2015 in the American League Wild Card Series.
Seattle Mariners Era (2026–Present)
On December 22, 2025, Refsnyder signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners for the 2026 season. Early in his time with Seattle he experienced a difficult start at the plate but returned from the paternity list and homered on the first pitch he saw upon his return, delivering a leadoff home run in that game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Refsnyder’s primary value is his versatility and left-handed bat. He has played every outfield position and all infield positions except shortstop in the majors, offering managers flexibility in lineup construction and defensive substitutions while contributing a disciplined approach that yields on-base opportunities.
Notable Events and Milestones
Career highlights include being named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 College World Series and recording a two-run homer as part of his first major-league hits in July 2015. He also earned International League postseason Most Valuable Player honors with the Durham Bulls in 2018 and reached the postseason with Boston in 2025.
Rob Refsnyder Career Wins
Throughout his major-league career Refsnyder has accumulated verified offensive totals as recorded through mid-2026, contributing home runs, RBIs, and a career batting average compiled across multiple clubs. His role has been that of a situational left-handed hitter and a bench player capable of stepping into starting duty when needed.
Major League Highlights
Official MLB statistics recorded through June 5, 2026, list Refsnyder with 36 career home runs, 163 career runs batted in, and a career batting average of .248. His first major-league home run came in July 2015, and he has produced notable seasonal contributions both as a starter in smaller stretches and as a platoon or bench option.
Other Wins & Perfromances
On the minor-league level Refsnyder produced standout performances, including a .315, 10-home-run season with the Louisville Bats in Triple-A in 2019 and a .367 postseason batting average with Durham in 2018 that earned him postseason MVP honors. Those performances repeatedly led to major-league call-ups.
Rob Refsnyder Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Refsnyder was adopted as an infant by Clint and Jane Refsnyder of Laguna Hills, California. His family includes an adopted sister who played college softball, and his father played college basketball at Muhlenberg College.
Personal Life
Refsnyder met his wife, Monica Refsnyder (née Drake), while both attended the University of Arizona; she was a collegiate swimmer and Olympic trials competitor. The couple married in December 2015 and welcomed their first child in 2021; public reporting also notes a later child born in 2026.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025 Refsnyder played for the Boston Red Sox under a club option year after the team exercised his contract. He appeared in 70 games, batting .269 with nine home runs, and missed two weeks in August with an oblique injury before returning to finish the regular season.
Boston advanced to the postseason and Refsnyder made his first playoff appearance since 2015, starting in the AL Wild Card Series; he finished that series 0-for-5 with one walk as the Red Sox were eliminated. His 2025 season performance helped prompt roster decisions that preceded his free-agent signing with Seattle for 2026.