Marlins Breakout Performer Emerging as Trade Deadline Target

"One Marlins player likely to draw interest is catcher Liam Hicks, who has 13 homers and an .817 OPS while also playing first base and DH," Rosenthal wrote. "The Marlins have three catchers. If they traded Hicks, Brian Navarreto could become the primary backup to rookie Joe Mack, and the team could summon Agustín Ramírez from Triple A to take at-bats at first base and DH. Or the Marlins could acquire a more established backup catcher."

After making his debut in 2025, Hicks is in the middle of a breakout season. He has accumulated 50 runs scored, 83 hits, 13 home runs and 57 RBIs, all of which are career highs. He is also slashing .286/.358/.459 for a .817 OPS.

He is also more than just a catcher. While he's been the Marlins backstop for 255 innings this season, he's also spent plenty of time at first base (157.1 innings) and designated hitter (29 games).

According to FanGraphs, he also isn't set to hit free agency until the 2031 season, giving him three and a half more years of team control. While the Marlins have the opportunity to be buyers at the deadline, Hicks is an intriguing trade candidate that could lead to a significant return if Miami decided to address other areas of need.