The last few years haven't been smooth sailing for Chicago Cubs prospect Miguel Amaya. After being hailed as a top-100 prospect and perhaps the best prospect in the system, Amaya hasn't caught a break.
Entering the year, the righty was able to play in just 23 total minor league games since 2019, due to a combination of the minor league season being wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and an injury sustained in 2021 that kept him out until July of this season.
This has led to the 23-year-old tumbling in the prospect rankings. While he's always been seen as a more glove-first prospect, it's hard for any player to get into a good rhythm at the plate with such little time played, and it's shown this season with Amaya.
The Panama native was batting just .200 and held an OPS below the .600 mark through 15 games in Double-A. Amaya has also been hitless in his previous six games but changed his fortunes in a big way Wednesday, going 3-for-4 with two RBI in a 9-4 Tennessee Smokies loss.
It was a big performance for a player that desperately needed it, and as the catcher settles more into the lineup, the hits may keep coming in bunches as he regains his feel at the dish.
Though not as revered as he once was, Amaya will have to put together more success at the plate as the system still lacks top-end catching talent. The 2015 international signee still has a path to success in Chicago, and hopefully, this performance sparks a resurgence.
Elsewhere on the farm:
Triple-A: Iowa Cubs (51-62) at Indianapolis Indians (55-56): L 10-5
Double-A: Tennessee Smokies (59-51) at Birmingham Barons (49-61): L 9-4
High-A: South Bend Cubs (59-50) vs. Beloit Sky Carp (56-52): Postponed
Single-A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans (69-41) at Down East Wood Ducks (56-54): L 7-1
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