Florial running out of chances
TAMPA — Estevan Florial’s tools — a cannon of a right arm, good speed, impressive raw power — have captured the Yankees’ attention for years. But his sixth big league camp could be his final one with the club.
Every year since 2018, Florial has received an invitation to major league camp. The talent is still there, but the prospect luster has faded for a 25-year-old still trying to prove himself in the majors.
Florial is out of options, which means the Yankees cannot cut him from the roster and send him directly to the minors. If
Florial does not make the team, he would be exposed to waivers and could be claimed by another team.
He is trying not to worry about the possibility because he “absolutely” thinks he can crack the 26-man roster out of camp.
“It’s just the mentality of coming here and try to make the team,” Florial said after practice Wednesday. “It doesn’t matter if I’m out of options or if I wasn’t. Just come here and do the best I can. In the end, they make the decision.”
Florial is coming off his best season in the upper minors, having mastered Triple-A pitching his second time around. With Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Dominican Republic native posted the 11thbest qualifying OPS in the International League (.849) while knocking 16 home runs and stealing 39 bases in 101 games.
He still struggled to make enough contact, striking out 140 times, which remained an issue when he spent sporadic time in the big leagues in May, August and September. Florial had just three hits and 13 strikeouts in 35 plate appearances.
Florial, who debuted in 2020 and played 11 major league games in 2021, credited the coaches and a slightly tweaked swing for his Triple-A progress, but knows he will have to make a leap to earn more time in The Bronx.