Spring Training is just around the corner, with the Yankees squaring off against the Boston Red Sox in Florida on Feb 23. That means there is less than a month to get to know the 40-man roster and the non-roster invitees that will all be battling for a spot on the bus up north come late-March.
Click the link for the 40-man roster and here is the entire non-roster invitees joining the Yankees for Spring Training.
There is no practical way to run through the 21 additional players going to Spring Training so here is a few of the important names to pay attention to on Feb 23.
Estevan Florial
Florial’s first action for the Yankees was in the Dominican Summer League in 2015 and has played as high as A+ ball for the Tampa Tarpons.
The 21-year-old outfielder has hit 34 homers across all levels and has stolen 64 bases. His speed is one of his best qualities, but is considered to have a high ceiling with so much potential that MinorLeagueBall.com predicts he could be a 5-tool player.
He is the 57th best prospect ranked by MLB.com, and is the Yankees #1 prospect in their farm system.
Florial is the most exciting non-roster invitee and will be reason to watch the exhibition games through their entirety.
Billy Burns
Burns finished 5th in the ROY voting in 2015 for the Oakland A’s, but has not been able to find a firm place on a major league roster.
At age 29, this may be his last chance to break through to a major league roster, but with the talent in front of him in the outfield, Burns has a tough uphill battle to make waves on the Yankees.
Danny Farquhar
Definitely the best feel-good story of Spring Training, Farquhar had a brain aneurysm while playing for the Chicago White Sox in April of last season, but was cleared to pitch.
The Yankees signed him to a minor league contract and he has a chance to earn a spot for the Yankees down the road if he impresses at camp.
A major league talent like Farquhar can be very valuable when imminent injury affects the bullpen throughout the season.
Featured Image: NJ.com