Position: C
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 180 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 10/27/2002
Country: Venezuela
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2019
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2023
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
Escalona is an offense-oriented catcher who signed out of Venezuela. Between the pandemic season and an injury in 2022, he didn’t play very much in his first few years. More recently, he’s seen nearly as much time at first as behind the plate. He appears to be settling in as a lower-level depth guy.
2020-22
The pandemic eliminated Escalona’s first season. He then spent two seasons in the DSL. He hit very well both years, with an OPS of .900 in 2021 and 1.014 in 2022. Combined he had a BB:K of 18:23. He had some defensive issues, committing eight errors and throwing out only five of 31 base stealers. Escalona missed several weeks with an injury in 2022.
2023
Escalona spent 2023 in the FCL. Possibly because the team was loaded with catchers, he started only seven games behind the plate, along with four at first. He had a .661 OPS and his BB:K plummeted to 3:21.
Stats
Transactions
July 2, 2019: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.