A Dream Come True: Getting Called Up to the Big Leagues

Courtesy of the Houston Astros via Twitter/X

During Major League Baseball spring training, teams often invite players who are in the minor league to train with them and show off their skills. Here are the newest additions to the teams' opening day rosters!

Max Muncy, not to be confused with the Dodgers’ infielder, was drafted by the Athletics in 2021, and he will be making his big league debut this season. The 22-year-old secondbasemen was one of the A’s top prospects. In 2024, when Muncy was in the minor leagues, he had a batting average of .292 and an on-base percentage of .378. 

When the A’s Manager Mark Kotsay called Muncy into the office, he thought he was getting sent back down to the minors. That was when Kotsay told Muncy he made the opening day roster.

Courtesy of Max Muncy via Instagram

Kristian Campbell was drafted not even two years ago by the Boston Red Sox in 2023 and is already headed to the big leagues. Before getting drafted, Campbell attended Georgia Tech. After that, he got drafted, went to the minors, and flourished and developed even more there. In 2023, his batting average was .309, and in 2024, it was .330.

Manager Alex Cora pulled Campbell to tell him the good news of making the team. When Cora started the conversation by asking Campbell if he could name any other MLB player who also went to Georgia Tech, and now Campbell is a part of that list.

Courtesy of the Boston Globe

J.C. Escarra got the news he made the Yankees roster just days before opening day. He will be the backup catcher for the team. He attended Florida International University and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2017. In 2024, when Escarra was a free agent, the Yankees signed him and sent him to the minor leagues. This spring, he got to show the Yankees his skills and batted .302. 

While Escarra was in the minors, he had to work extra jobs. He was previously an Uber driver and a substitute teacher. His hard work in the minor leagues and his dream to be in the big league would finally happen.

Courtesy of Topps via Instagram

Cam Smith got called up to the Astros in a very special way. Manager Joe Espasa was talking to the team in the clubhouse saying how if he were to find out he got drafted he would call his mom, dad, and his family, and he wanted to call someone in to make that special moment for someone. After he did that, Cam Smith’s family walked into the room to share the news of making the Astros’ Roster.

Courtesy of the Houston Astros via Threads

Smith was drafted in 2024 by the Chicago Cubs after attending Florida State. He was traded to the Astros this past December and was invited to camp this spring. During camp, the third baseman had a batting average of .342.

Edited by Brittany Snow