History of Rob Refsnyder in Timeline

Robert Daniel Refsnyder, a Korean-American outfielder, currently plays for the Seattle Mariners in MLB. Throughout his MLB career, he has played for several teams, including the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 26, 1991: Robert Daniel Refsnyder Born

On March 26, 1991, Robert Daniel Refsnyder, also known as Kim Jung-tae, was born in Korea.

Others born on this day/year

2008: Olympic Trials

In 2008, Robert Refsnyder's wife, Monica (née Drake), competed in the United States Olympic trials, attempting to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

2010: Freshman Year at University of Arizona

In 2010, during his freshman year at the University of Arizona, Robert Refsnyder batted .344 with two home runs and earned an All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention.

2012: Racist Taunts During College World Series

During the 2012 College World Series, Robert Refsnyder reported hearing racist taunts from South Carolina fans.

2012: College World Series Performance

During the 2012 Wildcats season, Robert Refsnyder hit .364 with eight home runs and 66 RBIs. In the College World Series, he batted .476 and was named the CWS Most Outstanding Player.

2012: Met Wife at University of Arizona

In 2012, Robert Refsnyder met his wife, Monica (née Drake), while they were both students at the University of Arizona.

2012: Signed with the Yankees and Professional Debut

In 2012, Robert Refsnyder was selected by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the MLB draft and signed with them on July 6, receiving a $205,900 signing bonus. He then made his professional debut on July 10 with the Charleston RiverDogs, batting .241 that year.

2012: Drafted by the Yankees

In 2012, Robert Refsnyder was selected by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the MLB draft.

2013: Promotion to Tampa Yankees

In 2013, Robert Refsnyder started the season with the Charleston RiverDogs but was promoted to the Tampa Yankees on April 19 after performing well. He then batted .283 for Tampa, with six home runs and 51 RBIs.

2014: Promotion to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

In 2014, Robert Refsnyder began the season with the Trenton Thunder and was promoted to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on June 10 after batting .342. He finished the season with a .300 average, eight home runs, and 33 RBIs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

December 2015: Marriage to Monica Drake

In December 2015, Robert Refsnyder married Monica Drake.

2015: MLB Debut with Yankees

In 2015, Robert Refsnyder made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Yankees.

2015: MLB Debut and AL Wild Card Game

In 2015, Robert Refsnyder was promoted to the major league club by the Yankees on July 11, marking his MLB debut. He recorded his first two major league hits, including a home run, on July 12. After a brief stint, he was recalled again on September 1 and finished the season with a .302 average and two home runs. He also started in the AL Wild Card Game, which the Yankees lost.

2015: Playoff Appearance

In 2025, Robert Refsnyder had his first playoff appearance since 2015, batting 0-for-5 with a walk as Boston lost to the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Series.

2016: Utility Infielder Role and Season Performance

In 2016, Robert Refsnyder competed for a utility infielder role with the Yankees but was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on March 27. He was later promoted on May 17 and played at first base due to injuries. After being optioned back on August 11, he returned in September and finished the season with a .250 average in 58 major league games.

July 23, 2017: Traded to Toronto Blue Jays

On July 23, 2017, Robert Refsnyder was traded by the Yankees to the Toronto Blue Jays for Ryan McBroom.

November 20, 2017: Claimed off Waivers by Cleveland Indians

On November 20, 2017, Robert Refsnyder was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians.

2017: Designated for Assignment by the Yankees

In 2017, Robert Refsnyder competed for a role on the Yankees' Opening Day roster but was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. On July 19, he was designated for assignment to make room on the roster, having a .135 batting average in 37 at-bats.

March 27, 2018: Acquired by Tampa Bay Rays

On March 27, 2018, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired Robert Refsnyder from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for cash.

November 20, 2018: Signed with Arizona Diamondbacks

On November 20, 2018, Robert Refsnyder signed a minor-league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

April 7, 2019: Traded to Cincinnati Reds

On April 7, 2019, Robert Refsnyder was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

December 5, 2019: Signed with Texas Rangers

On December 5, 2019, Robert Refsnyder signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.

2019: Assigned to Reno Aces

In 2019, Robert Refsnyder was assigned to the Reno Aces of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League by the Diamondbacks and played one game.

December 17, 2020: Signed with Minnesota Twins

On December 17, 2020, Robert Refsnyder signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.

2020: Designated for Assignment by Rangers

In 2020, Robert Refsnyder was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers on August 24 after playing 34 games and elected to become a free agent.

November 30, 2021: Signed with Boston Red Sox

On November 30, 2021, Robert Refsnyder signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox.

2021: Birth of Son

In 2021, Robert Refsnyder and his wife Monica welcomed their son.

2021: Selected to Active Roster

In 2021, Robert Refsnyder began the season with the Triple-A St. Paul Saints and on May 15, was selected to the Twins' active roster.

2023: Contract Extension with Red Sox

In 2023, Robert Refsnyder agreed to a $1.2 million salary and later signed a one-year, $1.85 million contract extension with the Red Sox that included a club option for the 2025 season. During the 2023 season, he batted .248 with one home run and 28 RBIs in 89 games.

2024: Fractured Toe During Spring Training

In 2024, during spring training, Robert Refsnyder fractured a toe on his left foot, delaying his availability for the regular season. He appeared in 93 games and batted .283 with 11 home runs and 40 runs batted in during the season.

December 22, 2025: Signed with Seattle Mariners

On December 22, 2025, Robert Refsnyder signed a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Seattle Mariners.

2025: Red Sox Exercised Contract Option

In 2025, the Red Sox exercised their $2.1 million option to bring Robert Refsnyder back. He batted .269 with nine home runs in 70 games during his option year and missed two weeks in August with an oblique muscle injury.