Yankees' J.C. Escarra makes Opening Day roster

The New York Yankees are finalizing their Opening Day roster as spring training comes to a close. A significant development is the inclusion of J.C. Escarra, who has been informed he will make his big-league debut with the team. On Saturday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone broke the news to Escarra after a game against the Phillies. Escarra has had a unique journey to this moment. He has worked various jobs, including being an Uber driver and substitute teacher, while pursuing his dream of playing in the MLB. At 29 years old, Escarra stood out in spring training. He has a batting average of .333 and an OPS of .936 over 17 games. His strong performance and experience in the minors helped him secure the backup catcher position, particularly after Giancarlo Stanton’s injury opened up opportunities on the roster. Escarra was drafted by the Orioles in 2017 but faced struggles in their system. He spent five years without being allowed to play catcher, before eventually moving to independent leagues. There, he played for teams such as the Kansas City Monarchs and the Gastonia Honey Hunters. Despite financial difficulties, Escarra persevered and signed with the Yankees before the 2024 season. He enjoyed a breakout year in the minors and was added to the 40-man roster. His promotion to the big leagues marks a major achievement in his long and challenging path to the MLB.