Miguel Amaya

Position: C
Level: Class A
Affiliate: South Bend Cubs
League: Midwest League
Born: 03/09/1999 (Age: 25)
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185
B/T: Right / Right
Acquired: Signed as international free agent July 17, 2015 (CHC)

Prospect Spotlight

Amaya signed with the Cubs for $1.25M in 2015, moving quickly through the system for a catching prospect since. He got off to a torrid start in his first taste of full-season ball last year, slashing .288/.365/.500 through the all-star break before cooling off in the second half. 2018 was easily Amaya’s longest as a pro, and knowing that, we aren’t thrown by his tiring out later in the year. He’s one of baseball’s best catching prospects, a potential plus offensive producer for the position with above-average defensive tools.

Amaya’s muscular build is well-suited for the rigors of catching, with soft hands and a good sense of how to frame pitches. His pop times are regularly in the 1.91 to 1.97 range, showing at least a 55-grade throwing arm down to 2B. Amaya’s physical strength translates to advanced raw power for his age, and he’s capable of getting to it in games. He’ll get a bit swing-happy against soft-stuff at times like many young hitters, but Amaya’s sense of the zone, swing-path, and power potential give reason to foresee a playable hit tool with 16-20 home run upside. That’s more than enough for a FV 55 ceiling when you consider his defensive ability at a valuable position.