Will the Yankees elevate Estevan Florial to the active roster in 2020?

Injuries have severely hurt the chances of Estevan Florial earning a spot on the New York Yankees in recent years. However, none of the injuries were soft-tissue related, as they all seemed to be freak accidents, broken bones, or just plain bad luck.

Florial, though, is dropping in the prospect rankings as he fails to make an impact at the biggest stage, falling 12 spots from No. 2 to No. 14 in just half a year (Baseball America). MLB Pipeline has dropped Florial from their top-100 list completely, showing him that they aren’t willing to indulge in his five-tool physical traits any longer.

This pre-season offers Estevan yet another chance at reclaiming the optimism most have placed on his head. On Friday, he sparked a Yankee comeback, launching a two-run shot in the 7th inning. The Bombers went on to win the game due to his heroics.

“I know what kind of player I am,” Florial said in the clubhouse at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Thursday. “I know who I am.”

Florial could start the season as high as Scranton, but more likely in Double-A ball as he attempts to string together consistent performances. The Yankees could decide to give him a shot at the top, though, as his abilities will translate well once he earns the opportunity.

However, playing just 74 games with high-A Tampa last year, and dealing with a fractured wrist during spring training in 2019 has slowed his roll. In 2018, he battled a broken hamate bone, limiting him to 84 games.

If the Yankees are unwilling to give him a chance this year, at the very least, Florial can put together a healthy season, which would convince the Bombers they can count on him to be their future starter in center field.

“Being on the 40-man roster, that doesn’t mean you automatically are going to be in the big leagues right away,” He said. “But it’s a huge step. I’m not going to say it’s not. It’s a step forward.”

Florial dropping in the rankings has caught his attention, but he has assured us that it’s not a bothersome reality.

“I don’t let anything outside the field affect me,” he said. “Being on the (prospect) list is good. I’m not going to say it’s bad. But for me I know what kind of player I am. So that doesn’t affect me at all.”