Chicago Cubs: Evaluating the catching position going forward

Chicago Cubs hoping Miguel Amaya can get back on track next season

The catching depth outlook in 2021 could have been different had Cubs top-catching prospect Miguel Amaya did not suffer a season-ending injury in June. Amaya, 22, is the team’s fourth-ranked prospect per MLB.com and a member of the 40-man roster. He was playing with the Double A Tennessee Smokies last year when he got hurt and was looking to keep moving on up. Amaya hit .215/.406/.304 with 21 walks in 23 games in Double A.

If all goes well with him getting back into things, then we can expect him to play with the Cubs at some point in 2022. This could be similar to how the Cubs brought up Victor Caratini in 2017 depending on how it goes. Even if he performs well in spring, it is hard to imagine him making the Opening Day roster, but he could be up later in the season. This is why veteran depth is still going to be very important.

Last year the Cubs brought in Austin Romine to fulfill the veteran backup spot, but injuries resulted in the team getting only 28 games out of him. Robinson Chirinos was brought in mid-season and ended up catching the most games outside Contreras and he hit .227/.324/.454 with five home runs.

Jose Lobaton and Tony Wolters were the other two catchers with notable MLB service time going into 2021. Wolters was released in August while Lobaton only played in six games. To no surprise, none of these guys are under contract for next season.