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Marlins' Liam Hicks is making the most of his opportunity this season
TL;DR
Liam Hicks is capitalizing on his chance with the Miami Marlins this season after being drafted by the Texas Rangers and later traded to the Detroit Tigers. His increased playing time comes as other catchers on the team have shifted roles.
Key points
- Liam Hicks transferred to Arkansas State for college baseball
- Drafted by Texas Rangers in the 2021 MLB Draft
- Traded to Detroit Tigers before joining Miami Marlins
- Selected in the Rule 5 draft by Marlins
- Increased playing time due to roster changes
Mentioned in this story
Liam HicksTexas RangersDetroit TigersMiami MarlinsNick FuentesAgustin Ramirez
Marlins' Liam Hicks is making the most of his opportunity this season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After transferring to Arkansas State for his final two years of college, Liam Hicks started to make a name for himself. He caught the attention of the Texas Rangers, who drafted him in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
He'd spend a few years working through the minors before he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in the middle of the 2024 season. But not being protected by the Tigers' 40-man roster allowed the Miami Marlins to take him second in the Rule 5 draft.
He would go on to make the team's Opening Day roster last year and split his time with Nick Fuentes and Agustin Ramirez. However, Fuentes was traded last summer, and Ramirez is seeing more of a DH role, allowing Hicks to get more looks behind the plate.
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Marlins' Liam Hicks is making the most of his opportunity this season
Hicks had times where he struggled last season, as most rookies do. Across 119 games, he hit .247/.346/.346 with six home runs and 45 runs batted in.
But this season, he has looked like a completely different hitter at the plate. Across 24 games, the young slugger is hitting .321/.368/.513 with four home runs and 21 runs batted in.
Q&A
What is Liam Hicks' background in baseball?
Liam Hicks transferred to Arkansas State for his final two college years and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
How did Liam Hicks end up with the Miami Marlins?
After being traded to the Detroit Tigers and not being protected on their 40-man roster, Hicks was selected second in the Rule 5 draft by the Miami Marlins.
What changes in the Marlins' roster have benefited Liam Hicks this season?
With Nick Fuentes traded and Agustin Ramirez taking on more of a designated hitter role, Hicks has gained more opportunities to play behind the plate.
