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.
J.C. you make the team, tell me how that makes you feel?
Oh, man, I’m floating on cloud nine right now. I’m overwhelmed with support and everybody reaching out and, yeah, you know, my dreams have come true, but, you know, now’s when it starts and God’s in control.
It’s been a long journey. Who do you have to thank along the way that’s actually helped you out?
I could go down a list of people that’s helped me out, but, you know, first and foremost, my wife and you know, my mom, my dad, my little brother, my grandma, my mini family, my friends. They were with me through thick and thin, you know, when I was in the slums.
What’s going to be your role with the ball club heading into the season?
Yeah, so my role right now is backup catcher, but, you know, anything could happen. You know I could come in to pinch hit, I could come in to play first base. Whatever the team needs from me to help them win, I’m ready.
You played with the Águilas Cibaeñas this winter, how did that help you get ready for spring training?
Man, it kept me locked in. I felt like I was facing the, the same amount of talent and competitiveness that’s in the big leagues. So it just gave me a little bit of a taste of what I’m going to see this year in MLB.
Will you be returning this winter to the, to the Águilas?
Hopefully I can, we’ll see when that time gets here. It’s too early for that, but, you know, I played winter ball past three years and hopefully I could play next winter.
The WBC is right around the corner, if Team USA comes calling, will you ready to go?
Oh man of course. That’ll be a dream come true for me.