THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR ESTEVAN FLORIAL

The Yankees have had a busy winter, but they still have one area they could upgrade, but will they?  We are all waiting and wondering if the Yankees will upgrade left field or if they will run with what they have.... for now.

The Yankees have options, but some may be more appealing to fans than others. Some also may be running out of time. I'd like that to be true for Aaron Hicks, and it still could be but.... I think Estevan Florial is quickly running out of time. It's the beginning of the end, but how close is the end?

That's the big question. Sometimes effort and progression don't always make a big league opportunity in the Bronx and it sucks.... but I think that is where we are at with Florial. He's hit well down in Triple-A but he hasn't torn it up either and there's this expensive guy names Aaron Hicks in the way. We can't forget about Harrison Bader and Oswaldo Cabrera also who were both impressive last season. Florial is a former top-100 prospect that has only had 63 big league appearances in the past three seasons and he is out of minor-league options so he can't be sent down without being exposed to waivers. 

The Yankees love his makeup, athleticism and potential the 25-year-old has but he has no clear path for a big-league roster spot. Right now, he would probably be fourth or fifth on their outfield depth chart. Ultimately, I think the Yankees will look to trade him before the season opener. His trade value may not be what it once was, but there are teams out there (especially teams that are rebuilding) that would give him an opportunity in the big leagues to see if they could tap into his potential. There is a team out there that will take a chance on him.

I have really enjoyed watching Florial's journey, but we have some new kids on the block stealing his thunder and a giant roadblock named Hicks in his way. There's no clear path for him in pinstripes so I think the Yankees have a tough decision to make. I think Florial's days are numbered, and I hope I am wrong.... but I don't think I am.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj