Rays acquire catcher Liam Hicks from Marlins three prospects

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired catcher Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins on Monday, August 3, in a significant trade-deadline move to bolster their lineup for the American League East pennant race. In exchange for the 27-year-old breakout hitter, the Rays sent three minor league prospects to Miami: infielders Brayden Taylor and Adrian Santana, and right-handed pitcher Jacob Kisting.

Hicks is in the midst of a standout second major league season, batting .282 with a .363 on-base percentage, a .432 slugging percentage, 14 home runs, and 62 runs batted in over 101 games. A left-handed hitter, he has been particularly effective against right-handed pitching. His offensive production represents a clear upgrade for the Rays, whose primary catchers this season, Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia, have posted lower on-base plus slugging percentages. Hicks is also under team control through the 2030 season.

The Rays, who entered Monday with a 65-46 record and a 2.5-game lead over the New York Yankees in the division, have been active ahead of the trade deadline, having also acquired pitcher Freddy Peralta in a deal on Sunday. The addition of Hicks addresses a key offensive need as the team...