Chicago Cubs catchers Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya are combining for a wRC+ of 108, ranking tied for third, according to FanGraphs data cited by team reports. Following a productive 2024 campaign where Cubs catchers finished tied for seventh with a 110 wRC+ and 4.3 WAR, the catching tandem is again anchoring the roster’s production as the team eyes the 2026 postseason and beyond.
Miguel Amaya’s Offensive and Defensive Ascent
After an oblique strain and an ankle sprain restricted Miguel Amaya to just 28 games last year, the catcher has rebounded to play in 64 games while backing up Carson Kelly. According to manager Craig Counsell, Amaya’s production stands out given his limited starting frequency. “When you don’t play that much and play at the frequency Miggy’s playing, the offensive year he’s having, that’s a really good year,” Counsell told reporters after Amaya went 2-for-5 with a home run in a win over the Kansas City Royals.
Amaya’s plate discipline has improved alongside his power numbers. According to tracking metrics, his chase rate dropped six points from last season to 29.5 percent, driving a career-best 9.8 percent walk rate. Defensively, Amaya has posted a career-high 32.1 percent caught-stealing rate while grading out with above-average framing for the first time in his career, earning praise from team pitchers for his game-calling and between-starts preparation.
Did you know?
Miguel Amaya dropped his chase rate by 6 percentage points this season to 29.5%, leading to a career-high 9.8% walk rate while maintaining a strong defensive presence behind the plate.
Pipeline Depth: Triple-A Standout Owen Ayers
Looking toward future roster construction, the organization is weighing options behind the plate. Carson Kelly is an impending free agent, prompting the club to evaluate its 2027 catching depth. According to a source with knowledge of the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Triple-A catcher Owen Ayers could earn a promotion to the big-league club as rosters expand on September 1, or potentially earlier.
Ayers, who turned 25 on June 7, has posted a 163 wRC+ across three minor-league levels this season, complemented by a 1.130 OPS during his breakout performance in the Arizona Fall League last year. While scouts praise his athleticism and control of the running game, his Triple-A numbers include a 116 wRC+ across 19 games with a 15.4 percent walk rate and a .106 ISO. Bringing Ayers up late in the season would allow him to absorb daily routines from veterans like Kelly and Amaya during a pennant chase, mirroring the developmental path of catchers like the Detroit Tigers’ Dillon Dingler.
Future Roster Decisions and Financial Strategy
The upcoming offseason will require precise financial navigation for the front office. With Kelly, Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, and several starting pitchers facing free agency, internal spending and prospect capital are expected to lean heavily toward pitching acquisitions. In a thin position-player free-agent market, Suzuki could quickly exceed the team’s intended spending threshold.
While a reunion with Kelly remains a possibility, securing immediate depth like Ayers provides organizational insurance. Acclimating young prospects to major-league environments ahead of schedule ensures the club remains insulated against upcoming roster turnover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Chicago Cubs catchers performing this season?
The catching duo of Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya ranks tied for third with a 108 wRC+ and has accumulated 2.5 WAR, continuing the strong production from the 2024 season.
What are Miguel Amaya’s key defensive improvements?
Amaya has recorded a career-high 32.1 percent caught-stealing rate and above-average framing metrics, alongside strong reviews from team pitchers for his game preparation.
Could Owen Ayers make his MLB debut soon?
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Owen Ayers could join the big-league club around September 1 to experience a pennant race and gain exposure to major-league routines.
What is Owen Ayers’ background in the minors?
Ayers posted a 1.130 OPS in the Arizona Fall League and holds a 163 wRC+ across three minor-league levels this season, including a 116 wRC+ in 19 games at Triple-A.
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