As Joe Mack nears MLB debut, would Marlins explore a Liam Hicks trade?

[Sean McCormack]

In a surprising move, the Miami Marlins selected catcher Liam Hicks in the 2024 Rule 5 draft. Where would he fit in with an organization that already had two highly regarded catching prospects—Agustín Ramírez and Joe Mack—at the upper minor league levels?

It turns out that there was meaningful role for Hicks to fill in the short term while Ramírez spent much of his rookie season as Miami's designated hitter and Mack continued to develop at Triple-A. Showing a very polished plate approach, Hicks played 119 games, slashing .247/.346/.346 with a .313 wOBA and 98 wRC+ in 2025. His stock has clearly gone up since being exposed to the Rule 5 last year.

However, Mack is still on his way as we were reminded last week when the Marlins selected him to their 40-man roster. They also have not given up on the idea of Ramírez behind the plate despite his struggles on defense so far. Although Hicks is well-positioned to crack the Opening Day roster and would serve as solid depth over the course of the season, this may be a good opportunity to flip him to another team with a clearer need for his services.

The Milwaukee Brewers may be interested in Hicks after declining their mutual option on Danny Jansen. The Brewers still have William Contreras and top prospect Jeferson Quero, but those are the only catchers on their 40-man. With Contreras getting increasingly expensive and Quero's MLB readiness in question after a few injury-riddled seasons, Hicks would have value to them next season and beyond. 

 

Marlins acquire: LHP DL Hall and OF Brandon Lockridge 

Brewers acquire: C/1B Liam Hicks and player to be named later

DL Hall was a former first-round pick of the Orioles in 2017. He was a piece of the Corbin Burnes trade during the 2023-24 offseason.

The past two seasons in Milwaukee, Hall has not found his footing. He has missed out on meaningful playing time at the big league level while battling through knee, lat, and oblique injuries. In 81 ⅔ innings pitched as a Brewer (33 G/10 GS), he has posted a 4.30 ERA and 4.66 xFIP while experiencing a drop in velocity compared to his days in Baltimore.

Health permitting, Hall would have an expanded role with the Marlins. He throws a wide variety of pitches—something the Marlins are always looking for. He could be stretched out if needed, but I believe he is best served coming out of the bullpen.

Hall is still only 27, but has used up all of his minor league options entering 2026.

Quite a contrast from Hall, Lockridge was a fifth-round pick of the Yankees in 2018 and has fought his way to the big leagues. He joined the Brewers at this past trade deadline in a deal that sent Nestor Cortes to the Padres. Lockridge has certainly struggled with the bat in his couple stints in the majors, slashing .231/.276/.299 through 34 games in 2025. But in Triple-A, he slashed .351/.413/.404 after being traded to the Brewers. 

There may be reason to believe Lockridge is on the cusp of a breakout season. From 2024 to 2025, his average exit velocity against AAA competition increased by 3 mph, his hard-hit rate by nearly 8%, and his in-zone contact rate by 5%. These trends are indicative of an improving player. 

Lockridge has 99th-percentile Sprint Speed and he rated as a great defender in limited MLB action (5 OAA). Entering his age-29 season, he profiles similarly to former Marlin Derek Hill, except with potentially more upside as a hitter and two minor league options left. 

As of this writing, the Marlins 40-man roster is full, so they would have to open up a spot with a separate transaction to make room for both Hall and Lockridge.

The PTBNL going with Hicks to Milwaukee would be determined following next month's Rule 5 draft. In 2022, the Marlins acquired Jake Mangum from the New York Mets under these conditions. Mangum was traded after MLB teams declined to take him in that year's Rule 5.

In this case, the Brewers would be eyeing right-hander Matt Pushard. The former undrafted free agent had an extremely successful season in AAA, pitching 62 ⅓ innings to the tune of a 3.61 ERA with a 2.98 FIP. Pushard has four pitches with a stuff+ of 102 or better, according to Prospect Savant's model.

If Pushard departs in the Rule 5, the Brewers would have their choice of the Marlins' other Rule 5-eligible relievers, such as Zach McCambley or Dale Stanavich.

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[Hippyboi]

I can see trading Hicks, but this trade proposal looks like a giveaway to me

[Jose Herrera]

If Joe makes the opening day team I think that means Agustin will not be catching. I'm not sure they would carry him on the active roster to not be an every day player.

If true, that either leaves Liam Hicks or Brian Navarreto to be backup catcher. If we move Liam to the Brewers I think we should get first base prospect Tyler Black. 

Not sure if the Brewers plan on keeping Andrew Vaughn or Rhys Hoskins but this would be a good chance to get Black.

 

[JustMarlins]

51 minutes ago, Jose Herrera said:

If Joe makes the opening day team I think that means Agustin will not be catching. I'm not sure they would carry him on the active roster to not be an every day player.

If true, that either leaves Liam Hicks or Brian Navarreto to be backup catcher. If we move Liam to the Brewers I think we should get first base prospect Tyler Black. 

Not sure if the Brewers plan on keeping Andrew Vaughn or Rhys Hoskins but this would be a good chance to get Black.

 

Wasn’t Navarreto released? 

[Jose Herrera]

I did not realize Brian elected free agency. Thought he was just removed from our 40-man roster. Thanks for pointing that out @JustMarlins.

Trading Liam might make Ryan Ignoffo the backup then.

[Hippyboi]

Ramirez seems to be committed to get better defensively and he is a solid athlete. I'd like to see him get another year catching. Trade Hicks for something more than a box of rocks or keep him as bench depth.

[1993 fan from start]

First of Hicks is more than bench depth.  He can play 1b if needed . plus he not a backup . If Agustin defence does not improve . And their trust in Hicks BY pitchers. that part of the main reason picher call from dugout . cause of Ramirez..   and is not full time cather.  

only way I see trading Hicks is if marlins have anther one in waiting not name Mack. and if it helps boost a trade. hate to have injure ..  I could see Mack coming in taking 60% catcher playing time.  But fans and media still want  Agustin over good defence cather.

[One Regend]

Trading Liam Hicks makes zero sense, even considering if Joe Mack makes the Opening Day roster. If Hicks is gone, then who's catching when Joe Mack inevitably gets the day off? Of course it's going to be Gus. Do you REALLY want Gus to be catching? After how awful he was at blocking the plate this past year?

I mean, don't get me wrong, Hicks has his own problems behind the plate, namely his very slow poptime and weak arm means, any baserunner, even non-speedsters, can simply turn a single/walk into a double almost guaranteed. But at least he can block the plate.

Furthermore, do you really trust anyone else in the minor league system to fill in as backup? I certainly don't.