Many minor-league players take a low-key approach when asked about prospect rankings. Those players claim they don't pay much attention, are flattered when they're ranked, but ultimately know that on-field performance will determine whether they reach the big leagues.

Pittsburgh Pirates first base/outfield prospect Edward Florentino is different. The 18-year-old slugger is well aware that he is one of baseball's fastest-rising prospects.

MLB Pipeline ranks Florentino as the sport's 81st-best prospect, and Baseball America has him at No. 94. For context, Baseball America rated Florentino as the 24th-best prospect in the Pirates' organization coming into spring training this year.

"For me, that was so impressive because I didn't expect that," Florentino said of cracking the top 100. "So, I always try to be (on) the best of the list. Getting on that this year was impressive for me."

On Tuesday, the Pirates named Florentino as the organization's Rookie-Level Player of the Year. The left-handed batter hit a combined .290 with 23 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 59 RBIs, 49 walks, 35 stolen bases, 60 runs scored, and a .948 OPS in 83 games split between the Florida Complex League Pirates (29) and Low-A Bradenton (54).

Florentino was selected to the Florida State League Postseason All-Star team despite playing in less than half of Bradenton's games. He hit .262/.380/.503 with 10 homers and 29 steals in 238 plate appearances with the Marauders.

In the FCL, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound Florentino batted .347/.442/.642 with six home runs and six stolen bases in 113 trips to the plate. Florentino said the competition was stronger once he moved up to Low-A, yet he was the FSL Player of the Month for July.

"One of the differences that I saw was the accuracy (of pitchers) in every game," the native of Los Alcarrizos, Dominican Republic, said. "Every player, every pitcher, every pitch in the game was with intention. You can feel the players are trying to win."

Yet Florentino succeeded at the higher level and will likely begin next season at High-A Greensboro. He is looking like a bargain for the budget-conscious Pirates after they signed him to a $395,000 bonus as an international amateur free agent last year.

Florentino was projected as a first baseman or corner outfielder when signed. Yet not only has Florentino shown he can hit home runs and steal bases, but he has held his own as a center fielder.

"It's just follow the routine to do your best every day," Florentino said. "You have to be disciplined with your work and working at max effort every day. I think I have a lot of work to do. One of the things I have to focus on is my physical (strength). Just getting stronger and trying to get faster. Working on the little details."