J.C. Escarra

Escarra spent 2022 and 2023 in independent ball, so his ascent to the Yankees' 40-man roster is a bit of a Cinderella story. It remains to be seen where (or if) he fits in New York's plans, but the 29-year-old at least opened some eyes last season, particularly with his performance in Triple-A -- he posted a .930 OPS over 201 plate appearances at that level, collecting 14 doubles, eight homers and 34 RBI across 52 games. Escarra also notched an impressive 27:30 K:BB, and even when he struggled to hit earlier in his career in Baltimore's system, he consistently registered low K rates and solid walk rates. Perhaps most importantly, Escarra logged time at both corner-infield and corner-outfield spots in addition to his primary post behind the plate last year, and that versatility figures to be a key factor in his chance of carving out a role in the majors. Escarra isn't likely to open the season with the big club, but that scenario isn't a complete impossibility given the uncertainty about who will work as the Yankees' backup catcher. Read Past Outlooks