Rising Cubs prospect may already be solving future roster problem

Thinking through future problems for the Chicago Cubs, figuring out the plan at catcher could be top of mind. Carson Kelly has been terrific since his arrival in Chicago last year, but is a free agent this winter. The Cubs transitioning back to Miguel Amaya as their primary catcher certainly could be on possibility, but a prospect from the 2024 MLB draft could suddenly be a part of that conversation.

Owen Ayers turned heads during his AFL run last fall, and that success has followed him this season. He started the year in High-A, and after posting a 221 wRC+ through 52 plate appearances, earned an early promotion to Double-A Knoxville. Through his first 164 plate appearances with the Smokies, Ayers is slashing .306/.421/.627 with 11 home runs.

There's also reason to believe that the Cubs might be aggressive with another promotion for Ayers before the end of the season. One, assuming this success continues for another 100 plate appearances, the promotion to Triple-A Iowa would be obvious. He's also 25 years old. No, he's not old, but his age likely will have the Cubs wanting to fast-track his path to the majors moving forward.

Owen Ayers could be key Cubs' prospect to watch this season

Considering the Cubs are in a competitive window, they likely will have some interest in bringing Kelly back. It won't be easy. There's a case to be made that Kelly will be the best free-agent catcher available this winter. Considering the Cubs have several openings to fill in their rotation and vacancies in left field and right field, it's possible that topping the market for Kelly isn't aligned with their strategy.

That would leave the Cubs in a precarious position. Amaya's injury history would make it a risk to hand over primary catching duties to him, and Moises Ballesteros is still in work in progress. That leaves the door open for Ayers.

Ayers' breakout in the Cubs' system is arriving at an important time. Entering the season, it was clear that the Cubs' system was taking a step back. That's partially to be expected, considering the graduations of Matt Shaw, Cade Horton, and Moises Ballesteros. The Cubs also traded Owen Caissie during the offseason.

Needless to say, the Cubs needed a breakout or two from a prospect this summer. Ayers is certainly among the prospects checking that box, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

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