Misfit Catcher Joins Rays in Deadline Deal

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired catcher Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins as part of the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline activity. In exchange for Hicks, the Marlins received infielder Adrian Santana, pitcher Jacob Kisting, and infielder Brayden Taylor. Hicks has demonstrated an impressive plate approach, striking out only 39 times in 409 plate appearances this season and increasing his home run total from six last year to 14 this season.

While Hicks struggles against left-handed pitching with a career slash line of .199/.301/.237, he is effective against righties, hitting .281/.368/.427 in his career. This trait aligns with the Rays' strategy of utilizing players' strengths. The Marlins acquired Santana and Taylor, both former first-round picks from the 2023 draft. Taylor is a strong defensive third baseman who has improved significantly this season. Santana is viewed as a potential everyday shortstop with elite defense and excellent strike zone control. Kisting has shown promise as a pitcher with a 1.67 ERA in high-Class A this year.