Tag Archive for: Liam Hicks

Miami Marlins Trade Liam Hicks to Tampa for Three Prospects

/1 Comment/in , /by

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.

Marlins Engaging in Trade Conversations for Liam Hicks

/2 Comments/in , /by

The Miami Marlins sit in the thick of the National League Wild Card race at just a game and a half back, a position they once held before their tough losing streak.

While being in the center of many trade discussions, the Marlins will look to improve their team, but for the future, not necessarily for this season as they don’t plan on labeling themselves as “buyers” or “sellers.”

The first rumor, came from Jon Morosi of MLB Network who reported that the Marlins are engaging in trade talks centered around Liam Hicks.

“Liam Hicks is a name to watch in the next 24 hours. The Marlins are engaged in trade conversations on him. Hicks has an .800 OPS, but multiple contenders need catching and the Marlins are very high on a younger LHH catcher on their roster (Joe Mack).”

Hicks has put together quite the season coming off a strong World Baseball Classic but has been platooning behind the dish with Joe Mack, and has appeared as both a catcher and first baseman. HIs defense behind the dish is just average, and he has bene such a good hitter due to his plate discipline and contact abilities.

Many teams could use a catcher including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, so the Marlins could face an offer that would be tough to pass up, especially as hitting catchers are a dime a dozen.

With that said, Hicks is controllable for four more seasons after this one. He isn’t slated to qualify for arbitration until after next season.

Hicks has only improved since being called up to the show and he has made a huge leap as a power hitter.

The Marlins are smart to listen to offers for Hicks, but listening is all they should be doing unless someone offers something they can’t pass up. The team control, production, and versatility, make him a piece that can help the Marlins both now, and in the future.