Ariel Armas sprinted to University of San Diego baseball head coach Brock Ungricht, excited to explain how the movement, pitch shape and arm action of their team's new transfer could immediately help the Toreros win.
It was at that moment in September 2022 that Ungricht knew Armas was unlike other players, an early signal of the catcher's eventual rise to becoming the Chicago Cubs' No. 16 prospect and a standout with the Knoxville Smokies.
From a freshman catcher trying to find his place to a team leader embracing the role of relationship builder, Armas is ready to return Aug. 11 to Covenant Health Park and continue playing the game he's been "addicted" to since his father put a bat in his hands at 5 years old.
"I just love how hard this game is,"
Armas told Knox News. "But it rewards hard work."
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Knoxville Smokies catcher once feared blocking baseballs
Armas played multiple sports growing up in Chula Vista, California, but baseball stood out above basketball, soccer and swimming as new opportunities emerged on the diamond. In 2015 − the first year Armas settled into his natural position behind the plate − he reached the national stage at 12 years old when his Sweetwater Valley team finished third in the U.S. division of the Little League World Series.
He likes to relive the experience from time to time when he's back home with family and friends, rewatching the games on DVD. When Armas gets a chance to see his former teammates, he said, "we get to just talk about it and remember how fun it was."
Long before he became a Gold Glove college catcher, Armas was afraid to block a baseball − something he learned while trying first base. He mostly played shortstop growing up until he outgrew the fear, learning the trade behind the plate to become a catcher like his father.
"It was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made," Armas said.
It led him to San Diego, where Armas spent his freshman year in the shadow of talented catcher and future seventh-round draft pick Caleb Ricketts before being sent off to the Northwoods League for the summer. When he returned, Ungricht saw a player who viewed catching as a responsibility, not just a position.
"Ari's someone that everybody loves to be around," Ungricht told Knox News. "He makes everybody feel important. And I think that's something that's like the sixth tool, if you will. He's got that charisma that you just can't teach."
Ungricht and Smokies manager Lance Rymel were both catchers during their playing days. And both men cite Armas' athleticism as the reason why he's been successful behind the plate, where he helps set the tone and strategy for every pitch.
In practice and before games at San Diego, Armas would take ground balls in the infield and turn double plays to continue adding to his athletic profile. He "makes it look so easy," said Ungricht, who used Armas as an example amid San Diego's mid-season lulls in 2024.
The catcher was batting .190 at one point in the season but "was busting his butt behind the plate," the coach told the clubhouse. "He's doing this, doing that − not one ounce of feeling sorry for himself."
Armas learned how to be where his feet are and embrace the opportunity in front of him. The spotlight mattered less than the chance to contribute in every moment.
Smokies manager: Armas has Major League Baseball abilities
The summer away from San Diego, the only school to give Armas a walk-on offer, was the turning point in his career. After accumulating 82 at-bats his freshman season behind Ricketts, Armas joined the Northwoods wooden bat league for college players.
This experience is what helped him realize, "Without failure, there's no guilt in this game."
Armas batted .274 across 37 games behind the plate and learned how not to shy away from challenges. He showed maturity, building relationships with guys he'd never met before. This is the most important role as a catcher, especially in the minor leagues, where pitching lineups are everchanging and require players like Armas to be adaptable.
"He came back and I was like, 'Oh my God, this guy is confident in his decision-making on the field,'" Ungricht said. "And he started to become a little bit more of a leader and take ownership in what I call the most selfless position on the field, right? It's not about you."
San Diego finished the 2024 season 41-15, earning a West Coast Conference championship and an NCAA Santa Barbara Regional berth. And as tears flowed following the team's elimination, the charismatic Armas − known for his impressions of the coaching staff − found a way to make the whole team laugh.
"I'm a firm believer on who you are as a person − it translates to who you are on the field," Ungricht said. "And I think he's going to play the game for a long, long time."
As the top backstop in college baseball for 2024, Armas earned a call from the Cubs in the fifth round of the MLB draft. With the Double-A Smokies, he's caught more than 500 innings with a career-best .994 fielding percentage.
Whatever is required behind the plate, Rymel said, Armas has the ability to get the job done. And as for his future, the Smokies manager said, "I think he could catch in the big leagues right now."
Trevor McGee covers the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox SC for Knox News. Email: trevor.mcgee@knoxnews.com; X: @TrevorMcGee12
Smokies back home at Covenant Health Park
The Smokies have a 20-19 record in the second half of the season as of Aug. 10, and are in second place in the Southern League North. Get your tickets for Knoxville's upcoming series against the Rocket City Trash Pandas at MiLB.com/Knoxville.
- 7 p.m. Aug. 11: Free Hot Dog Night, Taco Tuesday (all-you-can-eat taco buffet for $19.99 presale or $24.99 day of game)
- 7 p.m. Aug. 12: All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday (buffet available for $29 in advance or $34 day of game)
- 7 p.m. Aug. 13: Thirsty Thursday (half-price draft beer), Knox Vegas (themed jerseys), College Night ($10 tickets for college students)
- 7 p.m. Aug. 14: Chick-fil-A Friday (two tickets and two coupons for $48), Feel-Good Friday
- 7 p.m. Aug. 15: Tennessee Night (themed University of Tennessee-style jerseys), Tennessee Night Bobblehead Giveaway (first 1,000 fans receive DeSean Bishop bobblehead), Summer Fireworks Series
- 2 p.m. Aug. 16: Crayola Day (specialty jerseys), Color Your Own Lunch Box Giveaway (first 1,000 kids receive color your own lunch box)
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville Smokies catcher has a 'sixth tool' built for the big leagues
