The New York Yankees traded outfielder Estevan Florial to the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, acquiring right-handed pitcher Cody Morris in exchange.
Florial, once a highly touted prospect, had struggled to make an impact in the majors, playing in just 48 games over four seasons and hitting .209 with one home run and 11 RBIs.
Despite showing promise in the minors, including a .284 average and 28 home runs in Triple-A last season, Florial’s potential had yet to translate to the big leagues.
Morris, 27, brings a promising arm to the Yankees’ bullpen, having made his major league debut in 2022 and averaging 95.2 mph with his fastball. He had a 3.23 ERA in the minors this year, striking out 56 batters in 39 innings.
The trade comes as the Yankees have bolstered their outfield depth, acquiring Juan Soto, Trent Grisham, and Alex Verdugo in recent deals. With a surplus of outfielders, Florial became expendable, and the Yankees capitalized on the opportunity to strengthen their pitching staff.
The move marks a fresh start for both Florial and Morris, as they look to revitalize their careers in new environments. Florial will join a Guardians team looking to rebuild, while Morris will bolster a Yankees bullpen seeking depth and consistency.
As the MLB season approaches, this trade highlights the ongoing efforts of both teams to refine their rosters and make a push for the playoffs. With Florial’s potential and Morris’ promising arm, this trade could prove to be a win-win for both teams.