Starting spots for Yankees' Top 30 prospects

With the 2019 Minor League Baseball season getting underway, here's a look at where the Yankees' Top 30 prospects are starting the year. We also identify the prospect who just missed the Top 30 list, a player who didn't make the big league Opening Day roster but should make an impact this year, a prospect who is ready to break out in 2019 and the team's best defensive prospect.

1) Estevan Florial (MLB No. 56), OF -- Tampa Tarpons (A Adv) -- IL
2) Jonathan Loaisiga (MLB No. 65), RHP -- New York Yankees (MLB)
3) Albert Abreu, RHP -- Trenton Thunder (AA)
4) Deivi Garcia, RHP -- Tampa Tarpons (A Adv)
5) Clarke Schmidt, RHP -- Tampa Tarpons (A Adv)
6) Anthony Seigler, C -- Extended spring training
7) Everson Pereira, OF -- Extended spring training
8) Trevor Stephan, RHP -- Trenton Thunder (AA)
9) Antonio Cabello, OF -- Extended spring training
10) Roansy Contreras, RHP -- Charleston RiverDogs (A)
11) Nick Nelson, RHP -- Trenton Thunder (AA)
12) Michael King, RHP -- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (AAA) -- IL
13) Luis Gil, RHP -- Charleston RiverDogs (A)
14) Luis Medina, RHP -- Charleston RiverDogs (A)
15) Josh Breaux, C -- Charleston RiverDogs (A)
16) Garrett Whitlock, RHP -- Trenton Thunder (AA)
17) Matt Sauer, RHP -- Charleston RiverDogs (A)
18) Osiel Rodriguez, RHP -- Extended spring training
19) Thairo Estrada, SS/2B -- New York Yankees (MLB)
20) Chance Adams, RHP -- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (AAA)
21) Frank German, RHP -- Extended spring training -- rehab
22) Anthony Garcia, OF -- Extended spring training
23) Domingo Acevedo, RHP -- Trenton Thunder (AA)
24) Ryder Green, OF -- Extended spring training
25) Josh Stowers, OF -- Charleston RiverDogs (A)
26) Glenn Otto, RHP -- Tampa Tarpons (A Adv)
27) Yoendrys Gomez, RHP -- Extended spring training
28) Juan Then, RHP -- Extended spring training
29) Tanner Myatt, RHP -- Charleston RiverDogs (A)
30) Harold Cortijo, RHP -- Extended spring training
Complete list »

Just missed Top 30: Joe Harvey
One of many Yankees pitching prospects who has added velocity since turning pro, Harvey had a low-90s fastball when he came out of Pittsburgh as a redshirt junior in 2014 and now works in the mid-90s and can reach 99 mph. Using a hard curveball as his second pitch, he posted a 1.67 ERA, .165 opponent average and 68 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings (mostly in Triple-A) last year.

On the shelf: Estevan Florial
Florial, New York's top prospect, is on Tampa's injury list after breaking his right wrist crashing into the center-field wall during Spring Training. Right-hander Michael King is on Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's IL after getting diagnosed with a stress reaction in his elbow in March. Righty Frank German came down with some mild elbow discomfort last week and will spend some time in extended spring training before joining a Class A affiliate.

Impact prospect: Jonathan Loaisiga
Loasiga made the jump from Double-A to the big leagues last year and he should be ready when, not if, there’s a need in New York. CC Sabathia is hurt to start the year, and Loaisiga should be the guy to take his turns for the time being. The right-hander has the stuff to succeed; it’s more a question of durability.

Breakout prospect: Deivi Garcia
Garcia is so polished that he finished his third professional season in Double-A at age 19. The Yankees love high spin rates, and he has them with his curveball and 91-96 mph fastball. He also shows promise with a fading changeup.

Best defensive prospect: Florial
Florial has some of the best all-around tools in the Minors, with well-above-average raw power, speed and arm strength. He continues to improve as a center fielder, projecting as a plus defender, and has an exceptionally strong arm for the position.