According to reports from Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, Stowers and Hicks are being discussed more actively than teammates Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards, with whom Miami is known to be asking a high return.
Marlins Discussing Liam Hicks and Kyle Stowers in Trade Talks
While neither player would come cheap, a potential deal for Stowers or Hicks is considered somewhat more realistic. The discussions come as the Marlins navigate a fluctuating season record, positioning themselves as a team that might look to buy, sell, or balance both approaches as the deadline nears.
Production, Versatility, and Roster Context
Liam Hicks has emerged as a particularly hot commodity given the widespread demand among contending clubs for catching help. A Rule 5 Draft pickup from the Tigers in 2024, Hicks posted a respectable rookie season in 2025 and has taken a step forward as a solidly productive hitter. He has recorded 14 home runs and a .282/.363/.432 slash line over 409 plate appearances, translating to a 119 wRC+. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Marlins are open to trading Hicks to catcher-needy teams, noting his versatile play around the diamond alongside his strong hitting metrics.
Despite spending most of his career as a catcher, the 27-year-old Hicks has been utilized at first base and designated hitter following the big league call-up of top catching prospect Joe Mack, who has taken over full-time catching duties due to his strong defense. The emergence of Mack, coupled with internal organizational discussions regarding a potential extension for him, makes Hicks an overqualified option as a backup catcher. Furthermore, because both Hicks and Stowers bat left-handed, they do not present an ideal platoon fit at first base, though Hicks continues to find playing time at designated hitter.
Kyle Stowers’ Rebound and Long-Term Team Control
Kyle Stowers experienced a delayed season start due to a hamstring injury that kept him out until April 18, contributing to a slow start over his initial six weeks. However, since June 1, Stowers has rebounded significantly, batting .249/.336/.540 with 13 home runs over 218 plate appearances. His transition to primary work at first base appears to have unlocked his offensive output.
Stowers originally joined the Marlins alongside Connor Norby in a major trade with the Baltimore Orioles that sent Trevor Rogers the other way. Both trade candidates offer extensive team control for interested organizations:
- Kyle Stowers: Does not reach arbitration eligibility until the upcoming offseason and remains under team control through the 2029 season.
- Liam Hicks: Team control extends through the 2030 season, and he is not slated to qualify for arbitration until after next season.
Contender Interest and Market Demand
With very few impact options available on the catcher’s market, Liam Hicks fits a distinct need for multiple franchises. Teams identified as potential suitors or linked to the catching market include the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. For clubs like the Rays, whose catching position has long been a challenge area, adding a controllable player like Hicks could provide a long-term solution.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network previously reported on trade conversations centered around Hicks, highlighting that multiple contenders need catching while the Marlins remain high on their younger left-handed hitting catcher, Joe Mack. Although listening to offers allows Miami to evaluate their roster depth for both the present and the future, the combination of production, positional versatility, and lengthy team control means the front office can afford to be selective before making any definitive moves.
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