Jacob Carlos Amaya (born September 3, 1998) is an American professional baseball shortstop for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Miami Marlins and Houston Astros.

Jacob Amaya
Amaya with the Tulsa Drillers
Chicago White Sox – No. 18
Shortstop
Born: (1998-09-03) September 3, 1998 (age 26)
El Monte, California, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
June 18, 2023, for the Miami Marlins
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Batting average.182
Home runs0
Runs batted in5
Teams

Career

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Los Angeles Dodgers

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The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Amaya in the 11th round, with the 340th overall selection, of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft out of South Hills High School in West Covina, California.[1] He made his debut with the rookie–level Arizona League Dodgers in 2017, hitting .254 in 34 games.[2] He split the 2018 season between the rookie–level Ogden Raptors and Single–A Great Lakes Loons, hitting .311 in 59 games.[2] He spent 103 games with the Loons in 2019 before a promotion to the High–A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes for 21 games. Overall he hit .260.[2]

Amaya did not play in a game 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] He returned to action in 2021, and played in 113 games with the Double–A Tulsa Drillers, hitting .216/.303/.343 with career–highs in home runs (12) and RBI (47).[2] He was assigned to the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League after the season and then added to the Dodgers 40-man roster.[4][5] His season was split between the Drillers and the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers. He hit a combined .261 in 133 games with 17 homers and 71 RBI.[2]

Miami Marlins

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On January 11, 2023, the Dodgers traded Amaya to the Miami Marlins for Miguel Rojas.[6] Amaya was optioned to the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to begin the 2023 season.[7] In 58 games, he hit .278/.346/.472 with nine home runs and 35 RBIs.[2] On June 17, 2023, Amaya was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[8] He made his major league debut the next day, recording his first MLB hit.[9] Amaya played in four games for Miami in his rookie campaign, going 2–for–9 (.222) with no home runs, two RBI, and one stolen base.

Amaya was optioned to Triple–A Jacksonville to begin the 2024 season.[10] On April 2, he was designated for assignment following the acquisition of Emmanuel Rivera.[11]

Houston Astros

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On April 6, 2024, Amaya was traded to the Houston Astros in exchange for Valente Bellozo.[12] He made one appearance for Houston, flying out against New York Yankees pitcher Ron Marinaccio in his only at–bat. Amaya was designated for assignment by the Astros on August 24.[13]

Chicago White Sox

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On August 26, 2024, Amaya was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox.[14]

Personal life

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Amaya's grandfather Frank was also drafted by the Dodgers.[1][15]

References

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  1. ^ a b Tolegian, Aram (June 17, 2017). "South Hills baseball standout Jacob Amaya drafted by Dodgers". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Jacob Amaya Minor & Fall League Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  3. ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  4. ^ Toribio, Juan (November 19, 2021). "LA protects 5 players from Rule 5 Draft". MLB.com. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  5. ^ "2021 Arizona Fall League Rosters: Glendale Desert Dogs". Baseball America. October 6, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  6. ^ Wexler, Sarah (January 11, 2023). "Dodgers shore up shortstop in trade for Miguel Rojas". MLB.com. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  7. ^ "Jumbo Shrimp unveil 2023 Opening Day roster". MILB.com. March 31, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  8. ^ "Marlins place Jean Segura on 10-day IL, call up Jacob Amaya". ESPN.com. Reuters. June 17, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  9. ^ Trezza, Joe (June 18, 2023). "'This is the best': Amaya makes dreams come true". MLB.com. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  10. ^ "Injuries & Moves: Latest on Eury, Cabrera, Garrett". mlb.com. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
  11. ^ "Marlins Acquire Emmanuel Rivera, Designate Jacob Amaya". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  12. ^ "Miami Marlins acquire RHP Valente Bellozo and cash considerations from Houston Astros in exchange for INF Jacob Amaya". MLB.com. April 6, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  13. ^ "Astros sign Hector Neris for second run with team". ESPN.com. August 24, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  14. ^ "White Sox Claim Jacob Amaya, Designate Nick Senzel For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  15. ^ De Nicola, Christina (April 9, 2023). "Get to know new Marlins infielder Jacob Amaya". MLB.com. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
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