Chicago Cubs: It should be P.J. Higgins over Miguel Amaya in 2020

Chicago Cubs: Chasing an opportunity

As every fan in baseball is aware, the catcher can be the most volatile position in baseball. Currently, there are about three or four catchers on active rosters who stand so far above the rest its not even a competition. So while the Cubs do have one of the most exciting in Contreras, banking on the future at the position is essential.

Since being drafted by the Cubs, Higgins has put together a solidly consistent resume at the minor league level. He slashed .288/.345/.488 with a 139 wRC+ during his first professional season. After working his way to Double-A Tennessee in 2018, Higgins stayed with the Smokies for a portion of the 2019 season before his rise to Iowa.

In 72 games at Tennessee this past season, Higgins slashed .276/.338/.369 in 72 games. The 26-year-old backstop moved to Iowa to finish the season, where Higgins slashed a respectable .291/.374/.521 with a 113 wRC+. The strikeouts rose by about four percent. However, Higgins developed more patience at the plate, working a 12.1 percent walk rate in 140 plate appearances.

Higgins also saw a massive boost in his ISO, as it jumped from .093 at Tennessee to a whopping .231 at Iowa. Higgins also improved his overall speed between the two levels, something which is vital for catchers. Regarding his fielding, Higgins made just three total errors at Iowa behind the dish in 216 total innings. He saw time at first base as well as third base, excelling in both spots.