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.