Several Major League Baseball rookies who debuted in 2025 have overcome significant personal and professional challenges to reach the big leagues. Their stories highlight the varied paths players take to achieve their dreams.
Drew Avans, an outfielder now with the Brewers, was drafted by the Dodgers in 2018 in the 33rd round—a round that no longer exists. If his eligibility had come during the shortened five-round draft of 2020, he might not have been selected at all. After four years at Southeastern Louisiana and seven seasons in the Dodgers organization, Avans made his MLB debut with the Athletics on May 27, just before turning 29. He singled in his first at-bat and has since batted .289 across two Triple-A teams this year.
Alex Carrillo, a relief pitcher for the Mets, faced release from Tigres de Quintana Roo of the Mexican League during Spring Training in 2024 after struggling there for two seasons. Previously a Rookie-ball pitcher for Texas, Carrillo returned to independent baseball before nearly retiring. His agent directed him to play winter ball in Venezuela, where he was noticed by the Mets. Carrillo made his MLB debut on July 8 and has recorded 51 strikeouts over 32⅔ Minor League innings this season.
Dugan Darnell’s journey included playing third base at Adrian College before switching to pitching and finding success as a senior. He played independent league baseball before signing with the Rockies following a direct email campaign. Darnell debuted for Colorado on August 1 but is currently on the injured list due to hip inflammation.
Nic Enright of the Guardians was diagnosed with Stage 2 nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December 2022 shortly after being selected by Miami in the Rule 5 Draft. He continued pitching while undergoing immunotherapy treatments and made his MLB debut on May 25 after missing much of last season due to injury.
J.C. Escarra joined the Yankees’ Opening Day roster as a third-string catcher at age 29 after working various jobs—including Uber driver and substitute teacher—while continuing to pursue baseball through stints in multiple leagues. Originally drafted by Baltimore in 2017, Escarra signed a minor league deal with New York in 2024 and is now with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre but remains on their roster.
Ryan Fitzgerald debuted as an infielder for Minnesota at age 31 after going undrafted out of Creighton University and playing independent league baseball before joining several organizations’ minor league systems.
Paul Gervase stands out as one of only nine pitchers standing at least six-foot-ten to appear on an MLB mound. After receiving no college scholarship offers and working restaurant jobs while improving his skills through Division III Pfeiffer University and junior colleges, Gervase was drafted by the Mets in 2022 and debuted with Tampa Bay before being traded to Los Angeles.
Ryan Gusto overcame being cut from his high school team, family tragedy, Tommy John surgery, and other setbacks before making his debut for Houston this year; he was later traded to Miami.
Yaramil Hiraldo’s unusual path began when he signed with Arizona as a free agent from the Dominican Republic at age twenty-two—much older than most prospects—and included three years of independent ball before reaching Baltimore’s roster.
David Morgan switched from hitting to pitching while attending Hope International University after not being drafted out of junior college or NAIA play; he eventually signed with San Diego as a free agent.
Joel Peguero spent nearly ten years moving through various organizations’ minor league systems before finally making his Giants debut this August without allowing a run over several appearances so far.
Jayvien Sandridge used an obscure rule allowing him back into college baseball after being released by Baltimore; he eventually landed opportunities with Cincinnati, San Diego, then New York where he pitched one game this season.
Brandon Young narrowly missed throwing a perfect game earlier this month for Baltimore despite having undergone Tommy John surgery twice—once as a high school senior—and signing as an undrafted free agent during MLB’s pandemic-shortened draft period.
These stories illustrate how perseverance can lead players from unconventional backgrounds or career interruptions onto major league rosters—even if it takes years or requires balancing work outside baseball along their journey.
