Miguel Amaya , once touted as the future of the Chicago Cubs’ backstop position , is finally starting to show why the organization has invested so much faith in him. Known for his defensive prowess and strong arm behind the plate, Amaya’s bat has long been considered a work in progress. However, a subtle but significant change to his approach at the plate is yielding remarkable results and has scouts and fans alike buzzing about his potential as a well-rounded contributor at the major league level.
The Key Adjustment Fueling A Young Cubs Breakout The Struggle With Consistency Amaya’s offensive production has often been streaky throughout his major league career. His swing featured a noticeable leg kick, a timing mechanism that, while providing potential power, usually led to inconsistency. This leg kick caused Amaya to be late on fastballs and out of sync on breaking balls, resulting in a high strikeout rate and difficulty driving the ball consistently.
Although athletic and balanced, his stance was prone to timing disruptions, especially when facing higher-velocity pitching or off-speed pitches. For a catcher who already had the rigors of handling a pitching staff and maintaining defensive excellence, the added complexity of his swing mechanics seemed unnecessary. The young catcher knew something had to change if he wanted to reach his full potential as a hitter.
The Simplified Approach That change came at the beginning of the 2024 season, under the guidance of Cubs hi.