Yankees Make Emotional J.C. Escarra Roster Move Before Reds Finale

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 6:24 PM ET

Before he was catching big league pitchers like Max Fried and Carlos Rodon in the Bronx, J.C. Escarra was catching rides as an Uber driver. Substitute teaching by day. Driving strangers around South Florida by night and grinding to stay in the game, even as the door to affiliated baseball slammed shut.

Now, he’s a big leaguer — and about to be a brand-new father.

The Yankees placed Escarra on the paternity list before Wednesday’s series finale in Cincinnati. It’s the latest twist in a story that already reads like a script. The 29-year-old long shot who spent years in the minors, independent leagues, and winter ball finally gets his shot this spring.

Now add a little one to the cast.

Escarra’s journey to the majors was never fast-tracked. The Mets drafted him in 2013 out of high school, but he didn’t sign. The Orioles took him in 2017 after a strong college run at FIU. He bounced through five seasons in the minors, then got released in 2022. No offers came.

So he went to work. Teaching. Driving. Staying ready.

That led him to winter ball in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, where he turned heads with improved defense and a .363 average. The Yankees took notice and brought him in on a minor league deal before the 2024 season. By spring of 2025, he had forced his way onto the roster.

He debuted on March 29. Hit his first big league home run in April. Became a trusted backup behind the plate and earned praise for how he worked with pitchers. Through late June, the Yankees' arms had a 2.65 ERA when throwing to Escarra.

He’s 30 now. He’s been embraced by the Yankees, his story one of the most touching in baseball. HIs life changed this spring when he finally became a big leaguer and it changed again on Wednesday. And this time, he didn’t need a bat or a glove to make it happen.

It’s been a magical year for Escarra and his family.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: