Former Yankees No. 1 Prospect Estevan Florial Isn't Even in Their Top 10 Anymore
By Parker White
It wasn't that long ago when New York Yankees outfield prospect Estevan Florial was thought of in the same light as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto. He was projected to be a future 30-30 guy and patrol center field for years to come at Yankee Stadium.
However, one year of poor development and backsliding later, and Florial isn't even mentioned in the top 10 list of Yankee prospects anymore, according to Baseball America.
We've got another 2020 Top 10 list! This one coming from @BaseballAmerica: pic.twitter.com/tqyywsp5JI
— NYYPlayerDev (@NYYPlayerDev) November 19, 2019
The 21-year-old played in only 74 games last year for Single-A Tampa because he suffered a fractured wrist in Spring Training. When he returned to the field, Florial didn't produce, slashing .237/.297/.383 with eight home runs, 38 RBI, nine stolen bases, and the same undercooked batting eye.
Estevan Florial's trade value is (understandably) down, but if he is getting on base at a 38% clip with 10 HRs by July 1st he'll be a headliner again. He's still young and the power and speed haven't backed up, he just needs to stay healthy and show he can control the strike zone
— Virginia Yankee (@VirginiaYankee1) November 19, 2019
Just because he isn't in the top 10 right now doesn't mean he'll never reach his potential, of course. If Florial is healthy in 2020 and shows that power-speed combination, he'll be a highly-regarded prospect, once again.
However, it hasn't taken long for Florial to have a giant fall from grace, which should worry the Yankees. He can't headline a deadline deal at this point.