J.C. Escarra’s journey to the New York Yankees’ Opening Day roster is a testament to determination and belief in oneself. At 29 years old, Escarra’s path to the big leagues hasn’t been typical, but his hard work and perseverance have put him exactly where he’s supposed to be this spring.
Escarra, who spent the last several years working a variety of jobs, including substitute teaching and driving for Uber, earned a spot on the Yankees’ roster after impressing in the 2024 Spring Training. In 16 games, Escarra hit .333 (15-for-45), with six runs, two doubles, three home runs, and seven RBIs, while also refining his catching skills.
In a moment captured by the Yankees, Escarra sat across from manager Aaron Boone, who delivered the news that Escarra had made the Opening Day roster. Initially, Boone’s speech suggested the possibility of a minor league assignment, but after a pause, Boone added, “You’ve done everything we could have expected. You’ve gotten better as a catcher, you rake, and you’ve shown it here. But, as you know, we have a lot of catching depth, which makes this decision hard.”
From Uber driver to substitute teacher to the Yankees in 2025.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 22, 2025
J.C. Escarra’s journey continues in the Bronxpic.twitter.com/9Nk7wbwqlW
Escarra, who has yet to make his MLB debut, is now set to make that long-awaited jump when the Yankees take the field in the Bronx.
A 2017 fifth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles, Escarra’s early career took him through the minor league ranks from Frederick to Aberdeen, Norfolk, and Bowie. Though he began his professional career as a first baseman, Escarra’s journey took a different turn in 2022, when the Orioles released him after nearly 350 games.
Escarra’s passion for the game never wavered, and he committed to reclaiming his position behind the plate. Through his own determination, watching catching tutorials online, Escarra worked to revert to his roots as a catcher. Financially, the road was challenging. To make ends meet, Escarra held various jobs, including delivering food, working as a contractor, substitute teaching at a high school, private coaching, and driving for Uber.
The Yankees, impressed by Escarra’s resilience, signed him to a minor league contract ahead of the 2024 season. After 72 games at Double-A Somerset, where he hit .233, Escarra was promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he showcased his potential, batting .302 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs in 52 games. That performance earned him a spot on the Yankees’ 40-man roster.
Escarra’s hard work culminated in an unforgettable winter, when he won the Dominican Winter League batting title with a .363 average. Now, after years of hustle and heart, Escarra’s dream has become a reality: he’s headed to New York as the backup catcher for the Yankees.
It’s the kind of story that represents the American Dream, and for Escarra, it’s just the beginning.