Miami Marlins Trade Liam Hicks to Tampa for Three Prospects

With the emergence of young catcher Joe Mack, the Miami Marlins are moving on from Liam Hicks, according to MLB insider Jeff Passan.

The Marlins are trading RBI leader Liam Hicks to the Tampa Bay Rays, though the full details of the deal have not yet been reported.

Season Stats:

.282/.363/.432, 119 wRC+

On the surface, trading a player with four remaining seasons of team control is a surprising decision. Hicks wasn’t eligible for arbitration until after next season, making him one of the more affordable productive catchers in baseball. That type of value is typically something rebuilding clubs look to keep rather than move.

However, the Marlins appear confident in their future behind the plate. Joe Mack’s development has accelerated, giving Miami another young catcher they believe can become an everyday contributor. With Mack ready for a larger role and the organization already featuring several left-handed bats throughout the lineup and farm system, Peter Bendix seemingly viewed Hicks as a valuable trade chip.

This also continues a recent trend for Miami’s front office. After dealing Nick Fortes to the Tampa Bay Rays last year, Bendix has now traded a catcher to the Rays in back-to-back seasons. The move further signals that the Marlins remain committed to reshaping the roster around younger talent that better fits their long-term vision.

Whether this trade ultimately proves worthwhile will depend heavily on the return, which has yet to be announced. If Miami can add impact pitching or position-player talent that aligns with its rebuilding timeline, the decision will be easier to justify. Until then, it’s difficult not to question moving on from a productive, controllable catcher who had already shown he could succeed at the major league level.

Return Updates

Brayden Taylor- Rays 16th ranked prospect .284/.384/.513 in AA this year. LHH SS. Tampa’s 19th overall pick in 2023.

Jacob Kisting – Rays’ 26th-ranked prospect. 6’5 RHP in high A. 1.67 ERA, 96 strikeouts and a .180 batting average against in 86IP

Adrian Santana – Rays’ 27th-ranked prospect. Switch-hitting shortstop. Career .260 hitter, contact and defensive specialist.