Imagine being thrust into the spotlight of Major League Baseball without ever playing above Double-A. That’s exactly what happened to Liam Hicks, the Miami Marlins’ Rule 5 selection, who faced a baptism by fire in his rookie season. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it a risky gamble or a stroke of genius by the Marlins? Let’s dive in.
Hicks’ journey was anything but ordinary. Plucked from the Detroit Tigers’ system, he had to stay on the Marlins’ major-league roster all season—or risk being returned. Despite the pressure, Hicks not only survived but showed glimpses of his potential. As a backup catcher, he started 49 games behind the plate, but his versatility shone as he also made 23 starts at first base and 20 as a designated hitter. Manager Clayton McCullough clearly saw value in keeping Hicks’ left-handed bat in the lineup.
While Hicks didn’t light up the scoreboard with power—just six home runs and 20 extra-base hits in 390 plate appearances—his ability to get on base was impressive. His .346 on-base percentage ranked fourth among Marlins players with at least 250 plate appearances and eighth among MLB rookies. And this is the part most people miss: Hicks’ plate discipline was elite. He ranked in the top fifth of MLB hitters in chase percentage (17.6%), whiff percentage (15.1%), strikeout percentage (14.4%), and walk percentage (11%). These numbers suggest a player who understands the strike zone better than most.
Looking ahead to 2026, Hicks is determined to prove he’s more than just a backup. ‘My goal is to be in the lineup every day,’ he said. ‘I’m going to do everything I can to make that happen.’ But it’s not just about offense. Hicks had to embrace new roles, like pinch-hitting, something he rarely did in the minors. While he struggled in pinch-hit situations in 2025 (.190 average), he believes he’s getting better at adapting to the demands of the big leagues.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Can Hicks become a consistent everyday player, or will he remain a valuable utility piece for the Marlins? His ability to adjust throughout the season—‘The player you are in April is not the player you are in September,’ he noted—will be key. With Joe Mack, a top defensive prospect, waiting in the wings, Hicks’ role could evolve further.
The Marlins’ pitching staff should provide a solid foundation for Hicks and fellow catcher Agustin Ramirez. Even after trading Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers, Miami boasts a deep rotation, likely led by Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, Max Meyer, Braxton Garrett, and Chris Paddack. The bullpen, while losing Ronny Henriquez, gained closer Pete Fairbanks and lefty John King, setting the stage for a competitive 2026.
Speaking of the bullpen, Calvin Faucher, a high-leverage reliever, lost his arbitration case and will earn $1.8 million this season—$250,000 less than he sought. Despite this, Faucher is expected to play a key setup role behind Fairbanks. But here’s a counterpoint: Is the Marlins’ bullpen deep enough to handle the rigors of a full season, especially with Henriquez’s departure?
As Hicks and the Marlins gear up for 2026, one thing is clear: this team is a mix of potential and uncertainty. Will Hicks take the next step? Can the pitching staff carry the load? And how will the bullpen hold up? These questions make the Marlins one of the most intriguing teams to watch. What do you think? Is Hicks ready for a breakout season, or will he remain a role player? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
