Heading into the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, upgrading the catcher position was a major priority for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Despite a very thin catching market, the Rays made a big move, acquiring Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins in exchange for three prospects: infielder Brayden Taylor (who was the Rays’ No. 16 prospect), right-hander Jacob Kisting (No. 26), and shortstop Adrian Santana (No. 27).
The move was immediately viewed as a big win for Tampa Bay, and Hicks wasted no time making an impact with his new team.
In his Rays debut on Aug. 4 against the Colorado Rockies, the 27-year-old backstop hit a grand slam in his second at-bat during a 9-7 victory. Hicks has continued his high level of production since that great first impression. In the process, he is proving the trade was a clear win for Tampa Bay.
Hicks Paying Dividendsfor the Rays
Hicks has only played 16 games in a Rays uniform. Although the sample size is small, his numbers are hard to overlook.
With his new team, Hicks is slashing .292/.433/.542 with three home runs and 10 RBI. His elite plate discipline has also carried over from the Marlins, with 10 walks compared to just five strikeouts. Before joining Tampa Bay, Hicks had 40 walks against 39 strikeouts over 101 games with Miami.
Hicks’ 10.8 percent whiff rate and 9.4 percent strikeout rate this season both rank in the 98th percentile among all qualified hitters.
Across 117 total games in 2026, Hicks is slashing .284/.372/.445 with 17 home runs and 72 RBI.
Hicks’ arrival has added much-needed length to the Rays’ lineup and eased pressure on the star trio of Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero. But more importantly, Hicks has provided a steady spark behind the plate.
Nick Fortes has been solid, posting a .263 batting average with four home runs and 29 RBI over 92 games this season. However, his .670 OPS is not ideal.
Elsewhere, Hunter Feduccia wasn’t faring much better before ultimately being traded, along with minor league right-hander Jacob Kmatz, to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline in a separate deal for outfielder Jack Suwinski. In 60 games with the Rays, Feduccia slashed .234/.306/.340 with two home runs and 12 RBI.
Those prior struggles at catcher have made Hicks’ early success that much more impactful. Furthermore, Hicks remains under team control through the 2030 season. So not only can he help Tampa Bay’s lineup as the Rays chase an American League pennant and a World Series title this season, but he can also contribute for several years to come.
Entering Tuesday, the Rays (78-53) own the best record in the American League and lead the New York Yankees by 3.5 games in the American League East.
Tampa Bay continues its series against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. ET.
ALSO SEE:
- MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Tuesday, Aug. 25
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First-Inning Predictions for Tuesday, Aug. 25
