Fansided

3 under-the-radar prospects that can help the Yankees in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Estevan Florial #90 of the New York Yankees bats during summer workouts at Yankee Stadium on July 13, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Estevan Florial #90 of the New York Yankees bats during summer workouts at Yankee Stadium on July 13, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Estevan Florial, New York Yankees
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 28: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Estevan Florial #90 of the New York Yankees in action against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium on August 28, 2020 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Yankees 6-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Estevan Florial

Florial isn’t a new name for ardent Yankees fans. Just a season or two ago he was the organization’s consensus No. 1 prospect. Unfortunately for the 23-year-old outfielder, his progress has largely stalled now and he checks in as the team’s No. 7 overall prospect heading into the 2021 season.

New York’s front office hopes that a significant portion of Florial’s struggles over the past several seasons can be traced back to a few significant injuries. In particular, a wrist injury suffered by Florial in 2019 appeared to really set his progress back at the plate.

The big question with Florial at this stage of his development is whether or not he can ever make enough contact to profile as a major league regular. He generates the bat speed required to hit the ball with authority, but he strikes out far too often to justify a regular place in a major league starting lineup.

His athleticism does give him a strong chance to be an above-average defender at multiple outfield positions. That’s the quality that gives him the best chance to help the Yankees in 2021. If Brett Gardner isn’t re-signed, the team will need a fifth outfielder who can boost the team’s defense in late-game situations. Mike Tauchman will get the first call, but Florial could emerge as a valuable bench piece if he can make strides at the plate.

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