Can Jacob Amaya win Marlins' starting shortstop job?

[Kevin Barral]

When talking about potential shortstop options for the 2024 season, Jacob Amaya has gone overlooked. A strong spring for the young shortstop could change that.

The Miami Marlins don't have a clear starting shortstop for the 2024 season. They have several options who could potentially help at the position, including Jon Berti, Vidal Bruján, Xavier Edwards and now Nick Gordon, who was just acquired from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Steven Okert. But the best defensive shortstop in big league camp this spring might actually be Jacob Amaya. 

Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Miguel Rojas last year, Amaya spent most of his 2023 season with Triple-A Jacksonville. In 128 AAA games, Amaya slashed .252/.345/.407/.752 with 15 home runs, 65 RBIs and an 89 wRC+ with plus defense.

Prior to his call-up in June, Amaya was exceeding expectations as a hitter, slashing .278/.346/.472/.818 with nine home runs and 35 RBIs. The uptick in power was especially interesting. However, from the time of his demotion until the end of the season, Amaya slashed .232/.344/.357/.700 with six home runs and 30 RBIs.

Despite his inconsistency at the plate, he stayed consistent on the defensive side of things. Also, his approach was very solid as he ended the season walking at a 12.4% rate against a strikeout percentage of 18.7%.

There is a lot to like with Amaya's profile. He can play well at any spot in the infield and his floor is still higher than some other Marlins prospects. In 2023, he slashed .277/.383/.416/.799 with three home runs and 23 RBIs against left-handed pitching. During a period where the Marlins have designated fellow AAA hitters Jordan Groshans and Peyton Burdick for assignment, Amaya's spot remains safe, so the team evidently values him more.

For Amaya, it feels like his batting stance changed just a bit after he was demoted back down to Jacksonville. He went to a slightly wider base. It is something to keep an eye out for during Spring Training.

Amaya has one minor league option left, so the Marlins don't need to force him onto the Opening Day roster if he doesn't truly earn a job. If he demonstrates that the power he showed in the hitter-friendly International League is legitimate, the 25-year-old could be the answer Peter Bendix has been looking for at shortstop.

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