Jacob Amaya Bio
Jacob Carlos Amaya (born September 3, 1998) is an American professional baseball shortstop in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins, Houston Astros, and Chicago White Sox. Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017, Amaya has spent time at every level of the minor leagues and reached the majors in 2023, where he has continued to work on establishing himself as a steady defensive middle infielder.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Carlos Amaya was born on September 3, 1998, in West Covina, California, USA. He grew up in the same Southern California community where he would later attend South Hills High School. The West Covina area has long produced competitive amateur baseball talent, and Amaya developed his game in that environment, drawing attention from professional scouts during his high school years.
Amaya comes from a family with a connection to professional baseball. His grandfather, Frank Amaya, was also drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, a fact that created a clear link between the family and one of the most storied organizations in the sport. That shared background helped shape Amaya’s path toward a professional career.
Path to Professional Baseball
Following his development at South Hills High School, Amaya entered the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the 11th round, with the 340th overall pick. Coming out of high school, he was viewed as a projectable infielder with smooth defensive actions and a patient approach at the plate.
Amaya began his professional journey in the Dodgers’ system, moving methodically through the lower levels of the minor leagues. He spent time with rookie-level and Class-A affiliates before reaching the upper minors, learning the daily demands of a full professional schedule. His steady progression through the organization prepared him for his eventual opportunity in the major leagues.
Jacob Amaya Career
Early Career in the Dodgers System (2017–2022)
Amaya made his professional debut with the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers in 2017, hitting .254 in 34 games. In 2018, he split the season between the rookie-level Ogden Raptors and Single-A Great Lakes Loons, combining to hit .311 in 59 games. The following year, he spent 103 games with the Loons before a promotion to the High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes for 21 games, finishing 2019 with a .260 average across both stops.
The 2020 minor league season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Amaya did not appear in a game. He returned in 2021 with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, hitting .216/.303/.343 with career highs of 12 home runs and 47 RBI in 113 games. He was assigned to the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League that offseason and was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster. In 2022, he split time between Tulsa and the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, hitting a combined .261 with 17 home runs and 71 RBI in 133 games.
Miami Marlins (2023)
On January 11, 2023, the Dodgers traded Amaya to the Miami Marlins in exchange for veteran shortstop Miguel Rojas. Amaya was optioned to the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to begin the season. In 58 games at Triple-A, he hit .278/.346/.472 with nine home runs and 35 RBI, earning a promotion to the majors.
Amaya was promoted to Miami on June 17, 2023, and made his major league debut the following day, recording his first MLB hit in the process. He appeared in four games during his rookie campaign, going 2-for-9 (.222) with two RBI and one stolen base. The Marlins optioned him back to Triple-A Jacksonville to begin 2024, and on April 2, 2024, he was designated for assignment following the acquisition of Emmanuel Rivera.
Houston Astros (2024)
On April 6, 2024, Amaya was traded to the Houston Astros in exchange for pitcher Valente Bellozo. He made one appearance for Houston, flying out in his only at-bat against New York Yankees pitcher Ron Marinaccio. The Astros designated him for assignment on August 24, 2024, ending a brief stint with the organization.
Chicago White Sox (2024–2025)
On August 26, 2024, Amaya was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox. In 23 games for Chicago, he batted .179/.225/.194 with three RBI and one stolen base. The White Sox designated him for assignment on January 8, 2025, before he bounced through several organizations in a short span.
Amaya was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on January 16, 2025, designated for assignment after the Dylan Carlson signing on January 27, and then claimed back by the White Sox on February 3. In 33 appearances for Chicago in 2025, he batted .097/.119/.113 with seven RBI and two stolen bases before being designated for assignment on May 16. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights the next day. The White Sox added him back to the active roster on August 7, and he went 1-for-4 with one RBI in three games before a second designation for assignment on August 15. He cleared waivers again, was sent outright to Charlotte on August 18, and elected free agency on October 3.
Arizona Diamondbacks (2025–Present)
On December 5, 2025, Amaya signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, joining the organization’s depth at the middle-infield positions. The deal marked a fresh start in a new system following a turbulent stretch of transactions around the league.
Notable Events and Milestones
Amaya’s biggest career milestone came on June 18, 2023, when he made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins and collected his first major league hit. His 2022 season, in which he hit 17 home runs and drove in 71 runs between Double-A and Triple-A, stood as his most productive offensive year in the minors. Drafted in the 11th round in 2017, he has shown the durability to navigate multiple organizations and continue his professional career.
Jacob Amaya Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Amaya’s family has a documented connection to professional baseball. His grandfather, Frank Amaya, was also drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving the family ties to one of the most recognized franchises in the sport. That shared experience helped guide Jacob’s path into professional baseball.
Personal Life
Born and raised in West Covina, California, Amaya has stayed connected to his Southern California roots throughout his professional career. He attended South Hills High School, the same school that helped launch his path toward being drafted by the Dodgers in 2017.
2025 Season Performance
Amaya’s 2025 season was defined by movement between organizations. He began the year with the Chicago White Sox after being claimed back off waivers in February, then appeared in 33 games for the club while also spending time at Triple-A Charlotte. His offensive output was limited, as he batted .097/.119/.113 with seven RBI and two stolen bases during his major league stints with the White Sox.
He was designated for assignment on May 16, cleared waivers, and was sent outright to the Charlotte Knights. The White Sox added him back to the active roster on August 7, and he went 1-for-4 with one RBI across three games before a second designation for assignment on August 15. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Charlotte on August 18, then elected free agency on October 3, 2025.
Following the season, Amaya signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 5, 2025, opening a new chapter in his career. The deal provided him an opportunity to compete for a depth role in the Diamondbacks’ middle-infield group and a path back to the major leagues.