With Yonathan Perlaza headed back stateside after signing with the San Diego Padres, the Hanwha Eagles have signed former MLB outfielder Estevan Florial to a contract for the 2025 season.
Florial, 27, signed with the New York Yankees in 2015 at 17-years-old. Once regarded as the top prospect in the Yankees organization, Florial made his MLB debut in pinstripes in the shortened 2020 season, going 1-3. He would spend another three seasons with the Yankees, where from 2021-2023, he played in 47 games, hitting .205 with one home run and 11 RBIs.
After making moves to acquire Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo for the 2024 season, the Yankees traded Florial to the Cleveland Guardians for relief pitcher Cody Morris. Playing in 36 games with the Guardians, Florial hit .173, three home runs, and 11 RBIs. He was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus in early June. While at Triple-A, Florial played in 64 games, hitting nine home runs, 30 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases, but struggled to only hit for a .213 average.
Now, Florial is gearing up for his first professional season overseas. The Eagles, who finished the season with a 66-76 record, are looking for better results in 2025. It will be interesting to see if any other players from outside South Korea join the Eagles as they prepare for the 2025 season.
