MESA, Ariz. — Catcher Miguel Amaya started his preparation for the 2026 MLB season ahead of the Cubs’ official spring training workout on Wednesday, training at the team’s Arizona complex while also getting ready to represent Team Panama in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. After a 2025 season hampered by injuries, Amaya is aiming to return fully healthy and contribute significantly to the Cubs’ success.
Injury Challenges Cut Short Amaya’s 2025 Campaign
Amaya’s 2025 season was limited to just 28 games due to an oblique injury sustained in late May and a sprained ankle suffered in August. These setbacks curtailed his playing time and impacted his ability to maintain consistent performance throughout the year. However, he emphasized a comprehensive approach to recovery during the offseason, focusing on strengthening his entire body.
I was strengthening everything, not just that area,
Amaya said Tuesday of his rehabilitation process.
I was strengthening my entire body, preparing myself. It’s going to be a great year here with the Cubs. We’ve got a good squad.
Returning Players Eye Healthy and Competitive Season
Amaya is among three Cubs players returning from injury who were unable to play during last year’s playoff run, alongside pitcher Justin Steele and catcher Cade Horton. Both Amaya and Horton reported stable offseasons, with Amaya reaching full health by early December and Horton taking only a brief rest after the team’s NLDS loss. Steele, recovering from elbow surgery, has been progressively throwing since mid-January and is projected to be available early in the new campaign.
For me, the season began [Monday],
Amaya stated.
And my mentality is, I want to win every single game this year.
Catcher Rotation Could Mirror Past Success with Amaya and Kelly
The Cubs’ catching core performed best when Amaya was healthy and shared duties with veteran Carson Kelly, a tandem that kept both players rested and effective. Amaya reached a career-high .814 OPS last season, while Kelly showcased MVP-level performance before injuries slowed him down. Amaya expressed confidence in their combined impact behind the plate.
No matter who’s playing, if it’s Carson or if it’s myself, we’re going to do damage,
Amaya said.
We’re going to help our team, we’re going to take care of our pitchers. And that’s what we were doing in the beginning of the season.
The Cubs hope to maintain a similar three-catcher rotation in 2026 by integrating Moisés Ballesteros alongside Amaya and Kelly.
Team Outlook and Health Status Entering Spring Training
The Cubs’ pitching roster comes into spring training largely healthy, with the exception of right-hander Trent Thornton, who remains in recovery after tearing his Achilles tendon in August. Aside from Thornton and Steele, general manager Carter Hawkins described the team’s condition as “in a good place.” Some players, including right-handed pitcher Javier Assad and catchers Moisés Ballesteros and Christian Bethancourt, were delayed in arriving at camp due to visa issues but were expected soon, according to manager Craig Counsell.
The Road Ahead for Amaya and the Cubs
Miguel Amaya’s progress and return to full strength will be crucial for the Cubs as they aim to build on early-season momentum and improve their standings. His readiness, combined with the health of other key players like Steele and Horton, could determine how effectively the Cubs manage their roster depth this season. The combination of pitching and catching talent entering 2026 holds promise, though the lingering uncertainty around injuries and player availability adds some tension to the team’s outlook.
