Yankees trade rumors: Rays interested in Rob Refsnyder

Tampa Bay is looking to add outfield depth and Yankee outcast Rob Refsnyder is their latest target, reports George A. King III of the New York Post.

The 26-year old is more than expendable for New York. It was mentioned that he could potentially be moved to shortstop while Didi Gregorius recovers, but it looks like that position will be filled by a candidate more tailored for the middle infield. With his role in the Yankees in flux, Refsnyder has set himself up as the perfect chip for the Yankees as baseball approaches Opening Day.

Last year, Refsnyder split the season between Triple-A and the majors, slashing .250/.328/.309 for the Yankees on the big stage. He was used an both a utility outfielder and at first base to give Mark Teixeira an off day. Moving the Seoul born ballplayer also creates room on New York’s 40-man for a potential call up or trade that’ll file to shortstop void.

While Tampa Bay has expressed a desire to add a right handed bat to their lineup, they just signed centerfielder Peter Bourjos to bulk up their hitting. The Rays’ shortstop Matt Duffy has had his share of setbacks in recovering from Achilles surgery and won’t be back until mid-May. This makes the quest for another right handed bat to much more urgent. An asking price for Refsnyder has yet to be discussed.