New York Yankees’ top prospect needs to explode in 2020 or could be left behind

New York Yankees, Estevan Florial
Nov 3, 2018; Surprise, AZ, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Estevan Florial during the Arizona Fall League-All Star Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees‘ farm-system is packed full of talent, but only one player reached the top 50 list for prospects in 2020. Outfielder Estevan Florial was the lone player, and despite his unfortunate injuries, he presents the most value in terms of utility and tools.

According to The Atheltic’s Jim Bowden, Florial ranks at No. 50, the final spot on his compiled list.

Florial has been plagued by injuries over the past couple of years, but Yankees manager Aaron Boone assures me, based on what he saw last spring training, he has the potential of developing into an impact type of center fielder. Scouts love his tools, which are all average and above (except the hit tool); hitting coaches love the loud noise that comes off his bat; the analytics personnel love his career on-base percentage; and the outfield instructors love the velocity and accuracy of his arm. The bottom line is Florial still has the potential to be an All-Star-caliber center fielder in time.

The Yankees’ top prospect suffered a broken wrist during spring training in 2019, after putting together a confidence-inspiring performance. The potential is there for the taking, but Florial must remain healthy moving forward if he wishes to find a place on the 40-man roster.

Brian Cashman, GM, Yankees: “Injuries, like last year being hit with a pitch and breaking his wrist, have robbed him of development time, but this is an exciting, high character, incredibly intelligent player. All the ingredients exist for this rare talent to reach his potential.”

The New York Yankees have plans for Florial, but he needs to leave his mark quickly:

The Bomber extended Aaron Hicks on a seven-year deal last offseason, which plants him in center field for the foreseeable future. However, I see Hicks as more of a reserve option long-term. Florial’s development also comes with the starting center field job, whether it’s sooner or later.

His performance this spring will give us a solid indication of how far along he is in his progression and if the Yankees can utilize him as a reserve player during 2020.