Miguel Amaya's September swoon confirms a rumored Cubs' offseason priority

For all the focus there was on Miguel Amaya's offensive turnaround in July and August, little attention was paid to the struggles he had during the final month of the 2024 season for the Chicago Cubs.

In September, Amaya slashed .193/.254/.316 through 64 plate appearances with a wRC+ of 61. September felt like the league was making an adjustment to Amaya's refined hitting mechanics, and the result was the catcher looking like the offense-deprived player he was during the first two and a half months of the season.

Amaya's struggles during the month of September is a reminder of why the Cubs likely did not adjust their offseason plans. After a failed pursuit of Logan O'Hoppe at the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, the Cubs seemed to have made the declaration that they did not view Amaya as the long-term starting catcher.

That sentiment hasn't changed.

In his latest for The Athletic (Subscription Required), Patrick Mooney cited sources in saying upgrading the catching position is a priority for the Cubs this offseason.

The Cubs will address their need at catcher.

The only thing Amaya's hot streak in July and August proved is that he is capable of being a backup catcher at the Major League level. Perhaps, at times, Amaya could even serve as part of a platoon but his September regression is confirmation that he shouldn't be viewed as an everyday option for the Cubs.

The potential options name dropped by Mooney are Danny Jansen and Carson Kelly. Both veteran catchers lead the free-agent class of catchers this offseason but have their limitations like Amaya. Signign either would likely result in a split at the catching positions like the one the Cubs have had over the past two seasons.

Perhaps the Cubs attempt to revisit trade talks with the Angels for O'Hoppe but there could be another American League West catcher they target. Shea Langeliers had 29 home runs with the Athletics this past season while having strong metrics in terms of catching baserunners stealing. Given the state of the Athletics, Langeliers could be a trade candidate as the team looks to limit the spending on payroll until their move to Las Vegas is completed.