​The Miami Marlins are poised to be one of the more intriguing teams in Major League Baseball this season. With a 52-42 record, they sit firmly in the NL East and remain in the thick of the postseason race. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Marlins intend to act as buyers at the trade deadline, aiming to retain Sandy Alcantara while adding at third base, in the bullpen, and in the starting rotation. At the same time, Rosenthal notes that the Marlins are likely to attract interest from teams for catcher Liam Hicks, who carries an .817 OPS and could serve as a trade chip to bolster other areas of the roster.
According to Rosenthal, one player who could draw substantial trade interest is Hicks, a catcher with 13 homers and an .817 OPS, who also has experience at first base and as a designated hitter. The 27-year-old left-handed hitter has been productive this season, batting .286 with an .817 OPS, 13 home runs, and 2.3 bWAR. Yet the Marlins might consider moving Hicks to strengthen other parts of the roster, including the pitching staff or the infield.
As Rosenthal points out, there is a possibility the Marlins could trade some major-league pieces to protect their farm system, a strategy sources say they might pursue. This could be the route they take with Hicks later this summer. One potential landing spot for Hicks could be the New York Yankees, who are in need of an offensive upgrade at the catcher position and could benefit from Hicks’ bat.
There’s also speculation about the Marlins potentially acquiring a pitcher like Carlos Lagrange, a flame-throwing prospect, in exchange for Hicks. The Tampa Bay Rays could emerge as another strong trade partner given their own catcher needs. However, because Hicks is under club control through the 2030 MLB season, the Marlins would not trade him for a modest return; Peter Bendix is expected to command a sizable package for Hicks if they decide to move him, a request that would likely be justified given Hicks’ production.
With Rosenthal indicating Hicks is likely to generate significant trade interest and the Marlins’ depth at catcher—featuring Joe Mack, Brian Navarreto, and Augustin Ramirez as viable options—the possibility of trading Hicks this summer is very real. The Marlins appear to be weighing whether to maximize their current roster by trading Hicks for a larger return that could address other needs in the lineup or rotation, or to hold him and leverage his value as a cornerstone piece for the future.
As the deadline approaches, the discussion around Hicks’ market looms large. The Marlins’ plan to stay competitive while evaluating their long-term strategy sets the stage for a potential deal that could reshape their offense and pitching staff. If the right offer emerges, a Hicks-for-other-asset exchange could become a focal point of the Marlins’ trade deadline plans, especially given the club’s depth at catcher and the ongoing pursuit of help behind the plate, in the bullpen, and on the mound.