Jacob Amaya Claimed Off Waivers by the Baltimore Orioles from the Chicago White Sox
The Baltimore Orioles made a notable addition to their roster as they claimed shortstop Jacob Amaya off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. This move signals the Orioles’ ongoing commitment to fortifying their infield depth and improving their roster as they continue to position themselves for future success. Amaya, a talented but relatively untested player in Major League Baseball, now has the opportunity to showcase his skills at the highest level in Baltimore. In this article, we will dive into the background of Jacob Amaya, the implications of the waiver claim for both the Orioles and the White Sox, and how this move fits into the broader picture of each team’s plans moving forward.
Background on Jacob Amaya
Jacob Amaya is a 24-year-old shortstop who originally hails from California. Born on December 2, 1999, Amaya was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, which was the beginning of his professional career. After several successful seasons in the minor leagues, including strong performances at Double-A and Triple-A levels, Amaya was traded to the Chicago White Sox in early 2023, as part of a deal that sent outfielder A.J. Pollock and a prospect to the Dodgers.
At the time of the trade, Amaya was viewed as a promising infield prospect with a solid glove and an improving bat. His defensive skills at shortstop are considered his most valuable asset, with a quick release, good range, and the ability to make plays on difficult ground balls. Despite some inconsistency with his offensive production, Amaya has shown flashes of potential that have intrigued scouts. He demonstrated this ability in 2023 with the White Sox’s Triple-A affiliate, batting .265 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs in 120 games. His on-base percentage and plate discipline have fluctuated, but Amaya has shown he can be a productive player when he puts everything together.
As of January 2025, Amaya’s opportunity to break through at the major league level had yet to materialize in Chicago, where he was blocked by the presence of established players like Tim Anderson and other options in the White Sox’s infield. Although Amaya had been invited to Spring Training and appeared in a few games, he had not seen significant time with the major league club. With the White Sox making various roster changes and focusing on rebuilding, the decision to place him on waivers came as a somewhat logical move.
The Orioles’ Acquisition of Amaya
For the Baltimore Orioles, the claim of Jacob Amaya off waivers represents both a low-risk and potentially high-reward transaction. With the Orioles being one of the most dynamic teams in the American League in recent years, their infield has shown considerable promise, but the depth behind their primary starters remains a concern. Amaya, who has experience at both shortstop and second base, adds versatility to the team, giving them more flexibility in terms of lineup construction and infield rotations.
At the major league level, the Orioles have a relatively stable core, with standout players like Gunnar Henderson and Jorge Mateo anchoring the middle of the infield. However, injuries and inconsistent performances are always risks in the long run, and Amaya’s addition serves as insurance in case of any setbacks to those players. His defensive skills could also allow the Orioles to use him as a late-inning defensive replacement, further enhancing their roster flexibility.
Amaya’s bat has been a work in progress, and while he may not yet be a proven hitter at the major league level, the Orioles are known for their ability to help players develop at the plate. The team’s strong player development system, which has helped players like Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays take major steps forward in their careers, could play a significant role in Amaya’s potential growth as an offensive contributor. If he can refine his offensive game, the Orioles may have found a valuable piece to their infield mix, one who can both contribute defensively and provide depth when needed.
The White Sox’s Decision to Place Amaya on Waivers
The Chicago White Sox’s decision to place Jacob Amaya on waivers likely reflects their current state of organizational flux. After a disappointing 2024 season, the White Sox are in the midst of a rebuilding process that will require tough decisions regarding their roster and future direction. With several higher-profile players in their infield, including Tim Anderson and Andrew Vaughn, Amaya was not viewed as a central piece of their immediate plans.
Though Amaya showed promise as a prospect, his lack of major league experience and inconsistency at the plate may have made him a less enticing option for the White Sox, particularly as they look to move forward with younger, more established talent. Chicago’s focus is now centered on developing their top-tier prospects, such as Andrew Vaughn, and potentially reshaping the roster around them. Given their struggles in recent seasons and the presence of other, more established infield options, Amaya became expendable in a roster crunch.
By placing Amaya on waivers, the White Sox were willing to gamble that another team, like the Orioles, would be willing to claim him. This move is part of their broader strategy to streamline the roster and allocate resources more efficiently toward the future. If the Orioles are able to unlock Amaya’s potential, it could be a loss for Chicago, but that is a risk they were willing to take as part of their rebuilding process.
The Broader Implications for Both Teams
The Orioles’ Long-Term Outlook
The Baltimore Orioles are a team on the rise. With a young and dynamic roster, they have already shown that they are a serious contender in the American League. The addition of Jacob Amaya enhances their depth and adds more options to their roster as they continue their quest for postseason success.
Amaya’s skillset also fits into the Orioles’ overall team philosophy, which is based on versatility, defense, and patience at the plate. Should Amaya develop into a reliable hitter, his ability to play multiple infield positions could make him a valuable piece in the long run. The Orioles’ player development system has been one of the best in recent years, and they could be the ideal environment for Amaya to refine his game.
The White Sox’s Rebuilding Strategy
For the White Sox, this move is another example of their commitment to rebuilding and reshaping the roster. By clearing out a player like Amaya, who may not fit into their long-term plans, the White Sox are focusing on players who they believe can contribute to the team’s future. They are taking a measured approach, prioritizing young talent and ensuring that they have space on their roster for their most promising prospects.
While the White Sox have not been successful in recent seasons, they are working toward building a more competitive team. Amaya’s departure reflects their understanding that not every player who shows potential in the minor leagues will make an impact at the major league level, and they are focusing on players who they believe have the best chance to help them turn things around in the coming seasons.
