Former Uber Driver J.C. Escarra Earns Spot on Yankees' Opening Day Roster

The 29-year-old catcher’s unconventional journey through independent leagues and odd jobs culminates in a major league debut with the Yankees.

J.C. Escarra was officially named to the Yankees' Opening Day roster after a standout spring training performance, batting .333 with three home runs in 17 games.
Escarra’s journey to the majors included stints in independent leagues, the Mexican League, and winter ball, as well as working odd jobs like Uber driving to support his family.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone delivered the news to Escarra in an emotional meeting, later shared on social media, where Escarra called his mother to celebrate the milestone.
Escarra’s strong defensive skills and rapport with pitchers were key factors in his selection as a backup catcher behind Austin Wells.
This promotion reflects the Yankees’ broader strategy of incorporating younger, less experienced players into their roster to build a more dynamic and athletic team.