The Tampa Bay Rays made significant moves ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline to solidify their roster for a postseason run. The organization finalized a deal to acquire catcher Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins in exchange for three prospects: infielder Brayden Taylor, shortstop Adrian Santana, and right-handed pitcher Jacob Kisting. Additionally, the Rays acquired right-handed reliever Tyler Wells from the Baltimore Orioles. These transactions come as the club balances a competitive division race, seeking to extend a lineup that relies heavily on their “Big Three” of Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero.
Liam Hicks acquisition from the Miami Marlins
The acquisition of Hicks serves as a solution to the Rays’ long-running search for a long-term option behind the plate. President of baseball operations Erik Neander stated that the team was pleased to secure a player who really fits within kind of the DNA of this club.
Hicks, who was a Rule 5 pick for the Marlins in December 2024, has demonstrated an impressive approach at the plate. This season, he has recorded just 39 strikeouts in 409 plate appearances while drawing 40 walks. Furthermore, he has increased his power output, hitting 14 home runs this year compared to six the previous season.
While Hicks has shown a career slash line of .281/.368/.427 against right-handed pitchers, he has struggled against lefties, posting a career line of .199/.301/.237. The Rays, however, appear willing to overlook these splits to benefit from his contact-oriented style. Manager Kevin Cash will have flexibility with the new addition, as Hicks has played both catcher and first base for Miami, giving the club a versatile piece to utilize. The move was a response to the inconsistent performance of the Rays’ previous catching duo of Hunter Feduccia and Nick Fortes. While Fortes has been reasonable as the righty half of a platoon, Feduccia struggled, managing only an 82 wRC+.
Brayden Taylor and Adrian Santana prospect package
The cost for the Rays was significant, as the package sent to Miami included both of the Rays’ first-round picks from the 2023 draft: Brayden Taylor and Adrian Santana. Taylor is recognized as a plus defender at third base. The Marlins, meanwhile, were able to turn Hicks into a strong prospect package, a move made possible by the presence of highly touted catcher Joe Mack on their roster.
Tyler Wells and the Baltimore Orioles bullpen
In addition to the offensive upgrade, the Rays bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Tyler Wells from the Baltimore Orioles. The team values his performance against left-handed hitters, who have recorded only a 0.516 OPS against him this season. Importantly for the Rays, Wells is not a rental player and remains under team control through next season.
The Rays’ deadline activity also involved moving catcher Hunter Feduccia to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for outfielder Jack Suwinski, providing the club with additional outfield depth. Neander noted that the team is encouraged by the adjustments Suwinski has made to his swing while spending the season in Triple-A.
The Rays’ strategy remains consistent with their philosophy of prioritizing depth and specific skill sets over acquiring a single “big hammer,” continuing a trend that included an earlier trade for Freddy Peralta.
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