Liam Hicks: Marlins' Rule 5 Draft Gem

0:00On April 22nd, Miami Marlins fans are loving this Rule 5 draft gem, named Liam Hicks. Two off seasons back, they snagged the catcher from the Detroit Tigers with those strict rules. He had to stick on the opening day roster all season, or go back. He crushed spring training and proved his worth. And now, in year two, he's exploding offensively with four homeruns already. Just this week, in a loss to Atlanta, Hicks smashed his fourth homer, a two-run shot in the eighth on the first pitch. His only hit that night, but with two ribbies and a run scored. He's slashing 309 over 355 over 545 with 18 RBIs, tying him for fourth league-wide behind guys like Andy Pages and CJ Abrams. His bats so hot the Marlins are sliding him around. Ten gains catching six at first base to keep him producing. That fills the gap left by Christopher Morell's oblique injury since opening day. Last year as a rookie, he hit 247 with six homers and 45 RBIs over 119 games.

1:07Hicks started with the Texas Rangers, ninth round pick in 2021 out of Arkansas State after growing up in Toronto. They traded him to Detroit in 2024 for Carson Kelly, but the Tigers let him go in the Rule 5, and now Miami can't imagine life without. Him. If he stays healthy, career highs and power and production look locked in. Giving the Marlins a real spark they desperately need. That's the story for today. MLB News Today, driven by AI