Rays Make Exciting Trade With Miami Marlins

Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Rays Make Exciting Trade With Miami Marlins

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 3, 2026 4:30 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Rays added another bat before Monday's MLB trade deadline, acquiring catcher Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins in exchange for three prospects. ESPN's Jeff Passan first reported the deal, which gives Tampa Bay another major league contributor as it continues its push atop the American League East.

The Rays entered Monday with a 65-46 record following Sunday's loss to the Chicago White Sox. The move strengthens a position of need behind the plate while adding another left-handed hitter for the stretch run.

The deadline addition comes as Tampa Bay looks to maintain its lead in the AL East with less than two months remaining in the regular season. Hicks is expected to join the active roster immediately after putting together the best offensive season of his major league career.

BREAKING: The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring catcher Liam Hicks in a trade with the Miami Marlins, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 3, 2026

Hicks has slashed .282/.363/.432 with 14 home runs and 62 RBIs across 101 games this season. The 27-year-old has excelled against right-handed pitching, posting numbers that make him a strong platoon option while also providing defensive versatility.

The Rays paid a significant price to complete the trade, sending former first-round infielders Brayden Taylor and Adrian Santana, along with right-handed pitching prospect Jacob Kisting, to Miami. Taylor headlines the package after being selected 19th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.

Hicks also brings flexibility beyond catcher, having logged time at first base over the past two seasons. That versatility gives manager Kevin Cash another lineup option as Tampa Bay navigates the remainder of the regular season.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash (16) Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Rather than making a move for pitching, the Rays focused on upgrading their offense before the deadline. Hicks gives the club another proven major league bat capable of contributing immediately in a postseason race.

With Tampa Bay sitting atop the AL East entering August, the front office made another aggressive move to strengthen the roster. The Rays will now look for Hicks to provide another boost as they attempt to hold off the division challengers and secure a playoff berth.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: