Ayers played three years at the State JC of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota and two at Marshall before he impressed the Cubs in a pre-Draft workout and signed for $50,000 as a 19th-rounder in 2024. In his first full pro season, he slashed .238/.341/.420 with six homers in 65 games as one of the oldest players (age 24) in the Single-A Carolina League before a broken right hand sidelined him in July. He came back and won the Arizona Fall League's breakout player award after hitting .357/.539/.591 with a league-best 22 walks in 20 games.
Ayers uses a reasonably disciplined approach to find pitches he can launch in the air to his pull side. His solid raw power and impressive exit velocities portend 20-homer power, though he'll have to show he can do damage against more advanced and age-appropriate pitching. A switch-hitter, he's much better from the left side and has a glaring weakness against changeups.
Because he didn't begin catching full time until his final year in college, Ayers needs a lot of work with his receiving and blocking, though he grades well in framing metrics. He regularly recorded sub-1.85-second pop times in the AFL, showing off plus-plus arm strength and a quick release. A below-average runner, he also has played briefly at first base and in right field.
Ayers spent three years at the State JC of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota and two at Marshall before signing with the Cubs for $50,000 as a 23-year-old taken in the 19th round of the 2024 Draft. He batted .238/.341/.420 with six homers in 65 games as one of the oldest players in the Single-A Carolina League in 2025 before a broken right hand truncated his first full pro season. He returned to win the Arizona Fall League's breakout player award after batting .357/.539/.591 with a league-best 22 walks in 20 games.
Ayers employs a patient approach, waiting for pitches he can drive to his pull side. He hits the ball hard and has solid raw power but will have to prove that he can get to it against higher-quality and more age-appropriate pitching. A switch-hitter, he generates more pop from the left side of the plate.
Because he didn't become a full-time catcher until his final year at Marshall, Ayers is still very much a work in progress behind the plate. He features plus-plus arm strength and a quick release, regularly recording sub-1.85-second pop times in the AFL, but he's rough as a receiver and blocker. He's a below-average runner who has seen brief action at first base and in right field.
