The Chicago Cubs allowed Willson Contreras to walk in free agency two seasons ago after being an All-Star in 2022. The decision not to re-sign Contreras was made in part because Miguel Amaya was rising through the farm system. Amaya made his MLB debut in 2023 and assumed a more permanent role as the team’s starting backstop as 2024 progressed. While the promise of Amaya as a prospect has not yet been realized in the majors, he turned a corner after the All-Star break this season, making 2024 a step in the right direction for Chicago’s catcher.
Miguel Amaya had a tough start to 2024. Playing behind Yan Gomes, Amaya got inconsistent playing time and struggled to string together good games. After Gomes was designated for assignment in June, Amaya settled into the starting role and improved behind the plate. His offense would start improving after the All-Star break when he made a critical adjustment to his approach and became a bigger threat at the bottom of the Cubs batting order.
Back-Up to Start 2024
Miguel Amaya made his MLB debut in 2023 amid lots of fanfare. The Panamanian-born backstop had been a highlight of the Cubs farm system for years and had been strong determinate in the team’s decision not to re-sign Willson Contreras in the 2022 offseason. When Yan Gomes emerged as the best option to help the Cubs contend, Amaya settled into the backup role. Amaya couldn’t get anything going at the plate and was unreliable behind it.
This was the landscape that Amaya walked into in 2024. Gomes came in as the incumbent catcher and took up many of the reps early on in the season. Amaya’s struggles continued, and the progress that he had been building for years was seemingly halted. Gomes struggled at the plate as the year wore on, and in June, Chicago designated Gomes for assignment, opening up the starting catching position for Amaya.
Amaya Full-Time Starter
The Cubs signed Tomas Nido and added him to the major league roster, but Amaya was the clear starter. He received his first crack at constant playing time in the majors. In his first month as the starting catcher, Amaya improved as a defender, although there were still some holes in his game, and he wasn’t among the better backstops in baseball. Amaya didn’t get any better at the plate, and his numbers were in the league’s cellar for the first half of the year. If not for Tomas Nido’s struggles, Amaya might not have survived as the starter during his slump.
It wasn’t until the All-Star break that things started to turn around for the 25-year-old Amaya. Heading into the break, Amaya had a .201 AVG with a .266 OBP, .288 SLG and .554 OPS. It was over the break that Chicago’s hitting coaches made a tweak to Amaya’s approach at the plate. The hope was that by shortening his approach and simplifying things at the plate, Amaya could start to build some momentum and become a threat for the offense.
Adjustments Make a Difference
Amaya had a big stride and a cocked bat in his pre-pitch approach before the All-Star break. When play resumed in the second half, Amaya was quiet with his bat and didn’t stride. He started from a lean on his back foot while leaning on the toes of his front foot. When the pitch came towards the plate, Amaya simply leaned forward and came down on his front foot. While the difference was slight, it made for a big change in Miguel Amaya’s performance at the plate.
From the All-Star break, Amaya became a better contact hitter and even started to drive the ball with some power to left and center field. In August, Amaya hit .318, got on base at a .348 clip, slugged .576, and had an OPS of .924. Nido was released, and the starting catcher job was in Amaya’s possession. He became a better defender by the end of the year, and as 2025 approaches, Miguel Amaya is, at worst, an average defensive catcher.
September was problematic for the entire Cubs roster, and Amaya couldn’t escape the team-wide slump. The year ended unceremoniously, but Amaya’s 2024 indicated that things are taking a turn for the better. Amaya played in 117 games in 2024, hitting .232 with 8 HR, 47 RBI, a .288 OBP, .357 SLG and .644 OPS. The numbers aren’t gaudy, but after his incredibly slow start to the year, his ability to turn it around bodes well for Amaya returning as the starting catcher in 2025 and as he continues to improve as a threat at the plate.
Looking Ahead
The Chicago Cubs have a lot of work to do in the 2024 offseason. They are in one of the more interesting spots in baseball with their existing major league roster, top-rated farm system, and budget capabilities. Miguel Amaya certainly didn’t play well enough to secure the catching position long-term, but with other areas of concern for the franchise, he is expected with some certainty to return as the incumbent starter in the spring.
Moises Ballesteros is quickly shooting through the Chicago Cubs farm system and could pressure Amaya if he isn’t used in a trade this offseason. Ballesteros is a more highly-touted prospect than Amaya was, and although Ballesteros has split time between catcher and first base, the Cubs are set at first base with Michael Busch. If Ballesteros makes his way to the majors, Amaya’s spot as the starting catcher may come under fire. According to mlb.com, the situation may arise as soon as next year.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out; explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
