New York Yankees DFA Longtime Elite Prospect

He was the No. 1 prospect in the New York Yankees system as recently as 2019, and he was still the No. 6 prospect this year, despite a woeful 17-game trial in the majors last season. But now, the end has apparently finally come for Estevan Florial in Pinstripes.

The Yankees have designated Florial for assignment, and with his prospect pedigree, some team will undoubtedly come calling, either via trade, or a waiver claim. He was cut to make room on the roster for Friday's bullpen addition Colten Brewer. 

The Estevan Florial era appears over in New York. Can't see a way he doesn't get claimed or, more likely, traded. Was told by an opposing scout that their rating system still has him as a top 100 prospect-type. https://t.co/8knWodJCzt

— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) April 1, 2023

Yankees beat writer Brendan Kuty says an opposing scout told him that the 25-year-old Florial still has Top 100 Prospect stature. 

It's a sad end to Florial's run in the Yankees organization, as he was continually unable to translate those elite tools to the major leagues. 

Manager Aaron Boone said it was a "difficult and sad" conversation to have with Florial, telling him he was DFA'd. 

“We’ve been through a lot with Flo,” Boone said. “He’s such a great kid. The one thing that I tried to remind him and encourage him is he’s still a young man with a ton of talent. This game is difficult and clicks at different points for different people.”

There was hope that it would "click" for Florial last season, as he was batting .283 with an .850 OPS at Triple-A, swiping 39 bases and hitting 15 home runs in 101 games. But each time he was promoted to The Show, he struggled badly, winding up, in three different stints, hitting just .097 in 17 games. 

This spring, in his final chance to make it in NY, he stole five bases in Grapefruit League play in 49 plate appearances, but still batted just .167. It was barely enough to make the Opening Day roster, but that's all it lasted. One game. 

Maybe a new organization and a new environment will be the thing that gets Florial's immense talent to click. 

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports