The New York Yankees’ points behind residence plate have given journeyman minor leaguer J.C. Escarra an opportunity at a roster spot. At this level, they’ve just one full-time catcher on the 2025 roster, in Austin Wells.
Who Is J. C. Escarra
Who’s J. C. Escarra? He’s a catcher who was drafted in 2017 by the Baltimore Orioles. Within the six seasons of their farm system, he by no means reached the highest 30 of Orioles prospects. He bounced round each Low-and Excessive-A leagues in addition to Double-A. Escarra might by no means fairly work out the right way to hit or throw out base runners.
Tries to Reinvent
After his launch and at 27 Escarra was making an attempt to reinvent himself with the impartial Kansas Metropolis Monarchs of the American Affiliation. He introduced his batting common as much as .291 over 70 video games. Nevertheless, no MLB groups supplied him a minor-league deal.
2023 Impartial League
In 2023, he signed with the Atlantic League of Skilled Baseball. In 41 video games for Gastonia, Escarra hit .348 with 15 residence runs. Then in June, his contract was bought by the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League. In his 21 video games for them, he hit .329 with six residence runs.
Yankees Signal Him
The New York Yankees points behind residence plate had them looking out. And, they signed Escarra to a minor league contract in January 2024. The supply included an invite to Spring Coaching. Nevertheless, he was despatched to Double-A early into camp. He would find yourself at each Double and Triple-A for the season. Total, in 125 video games cut up between the 2 he hit .261 with 12 residence runs.
Impressed the Coaches
Escarra impressed the Yankees coaches at Double-A and Triple-A final season sufficient that they added him to their 40-man roster in November. Throughout camp, he and his distinctive story have created a following of Yankee followers. Being known as a “as soon as in a lifetime story” he has had the media following and surrounding him at camp. Escarra appears to have shined within the highlight to this point. In eight video games he’s hitting .350. On high of that, he has dealt with the catching spot properly.
Instructor, Uber Driver—Employee
A former substitute trainer, Escarra additionally drove passengers round making a dwelling as a rideshare driver. He supplied personal baseball classes at night time and delivered meals. The not too long ago married participant talked about throughout an interview that he had a mortgage to pay and was going to do no matter work he needed to with a view to maintain his home. He thought his baseball profession was over till the Yankees reached out to him. He has been exhibiting off a bit throughout camp, nevertheless it’s been backed up by his play.
Skinny at Catching
The New York Yankees’ points behind residence plate started after buying and selling away as many as six catchers because the 2023 season. This offseason, they traded away Carlos Narvaez and former All-Star Jose Trevino leaving Wells as the one true catcher on their roster. Despite the fact that he solely has 134 video games of MLB expertise, Wells would be the beginning catcher. The workforce is searching for a backup for Wells and Escarra desires the job.
May Make the Workforce
The Yankees even have Alex Jackson and Jesus Rodriguez competing with Escarra for a roster spot. Nevertheless, don’t inform the supporters and new followers of Escarra that he won’t make the workforce. If he retains up his good numbers with the workforce throughout camp, he simply is perhaps destined for Yankee Stadium. He’s shortly proving that he has what it takes to make the roster. If his present efficiency in camp is any indication, the journeyman could lastly get to play in his first MLB recreation—and the Yankees might have their challenge settled for now.
Be sure to go to Stomach Up Sports activities for extra sports activities content material and leisure.
Featured Picture: Getty Photos