In preparation for the upcoming Major League Baseball season, the New York Yankees are finalizing their roster as opening day approaches. With only a week left until the season begins, the team has made significant decisions regarding their 26-man lineup. One key choice includes retaining veteran infielder Paul DeJong, who has decided not to opt out of his minor league deal, thus remaining within the organization. DeJong, whose contract allows him to opt-out as part of his XX(b) free agent status, sees value in continuing to push for a major league spot despite the competition for spots on the team being intense. Acknowledging the depth within the Yankees' middle infield positions, DeJong aims to fight for a bench role or potentially start at Triple-A if he does not secure a spot in the majors. This decision highlights his determination to contribute to the Yankees throughout the season. Concurrently, the team is making strides in finalizing its roster, particularly concerning their backup catcher position. J.C. Escarra is set to serve as the backup to Austin Wells, bringing a combination of experience and potential to the team. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has expressed strong confidence in Escarra’s ability to be an impactful player off the bench, citing his previous performances and eyeing an extended look at his capabilities in the upcoming season. Boone even claims that projection models support Escarra's value, estimating he could rank as a top-tier catcher by 2025. As the Yankees continue to solidify their roster and prepare for a competitive season, they are looking to strike a balance that includes experienced players like DeJong and developing talents like Escarra.