In probably the most heartfelt story of the spring, Cuban-American catcher JC Escarra has made the Opening Day roster with the Yankees after a torrid preseason with the bat. The native of Hialeah, Florida not only excelled with the bat hitting a solid .333, but also was very solid on defense from the catching position.
The one-time Uber driver started his journey in the American Association, an independent circuit in 2022 with the Kansas City Monarchs after being released by the Baltimore Orioles hitting .291 with 12 longballs and 35 runs batted, earning a winter job in Puerto Rico with the Leones de Ponce. In the LBPRC he was an All-Star that campaign.
In 2023 Escarra went full force in the highly touted independent Atlantic League swatting 15 homers in 41 games and earning himself a contract with the Tijuana Toros of the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol. After being loaned to the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna in the playoffs, Escarra led the postseason in homeruns with seven and put the Aztec squad in the league final that year.
That winter the backstop once again earned an All-Star berth in the LBPRC and was inked by the Yankees to a minor league deal, which set the stage for a 2024 season on the Bombers’ farm in which he slashed. 261/.355/.464/.789, went yard 12 times and knocked in 64 runs between double and triple-A, earning him a spot on the team’s 40-man roster.
This winter he won the LIDOM’s batting title with the Águilas Cibaeñas setting the stage for his spectacular spring and his rise with the New York Yankees. Escarra’s story is one of perseverance and sheer determination. The Miamian is the example of hard work always pays off and the old cliché, ” if you believe you can achieve. “
Escarra, who can also play in the infield and outfield could see a lot of at-bats due to the multitude of injuries suffered by New York’s position players this offseason. Not only will he be Austin Wells’ backup, but that sweet left-handed uppercut swing might also earn him some time as the team’s designated hitter.