Cubs Select Catcher Ariel Armas with the 153rd Overall Pick in the 2024 MLB Draft

The Chicago Cubs have a plan to add even more talent to their position-player prospect pool. With the 153rd overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Cubs selected catcher Ariel Armas out of the University of San Diego.

Armas joins four infielders in the Cubs' 2024 draft class, with the latest pick being high school shortstop Ty Southisene. Armas is a rather decorated catcher and had a heck of a 2024 season. Armas was named a semi-finalist for the Buster Posey Award, which goes to the catcher of the year in D1 baseball. In addition, Armas was named to the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Team in 2024 for his incredible defense at San Diego.

In addition to the defensive accolades, Armas posted strong offensive numbers in 2024. After some underwhelming figures offensively in 2022 and 2023, Armas had a .303/.403/.434 slash line with six home runs, 30 RBIs, eight doubles, and 40 runs scored in 55 games in 2024. Armas' .998 fielding percentage also boosted those offensive numbers, showing his ability as a complete catcher.

It is no secret, the Cubs desperately need catching depth in the minors. Pablo Aliendo is the only true catching prospect with any type of high upside. Although Moises Ballesteros is a catcher and first baseman, he might not be strong enough behind the plate to be an everyday catcher. As of now, Armas profiles as the best true catching prospect the Cubs have in the system.

Whether or not he falls in the top 30 for the organization remains to be seen. However, he certainly has a strong case to do so after a banner 2024 season. As a collegiate player, he should also be able to quickly work through the minors if everything clicks. Although fans likely won't see him until late 2025 at the earliest, he provides hope in the pipeline at catcher moving forward.

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