Bold truth: Liam Hicks proved in his first MLB season that a Rule 5 rookie can punch above his weight in a full-time role, and his learning curve could shape the Marlins’ 2026 plans. Here’s how Hicks navigated a challenging rookie year and what Miami hopes to build around him this season.
Liam Hicks arrived in the big leagues under unusual pressure. As a Rule 5 pick by the Miami Marlins, he had to stay on the major-league roster all year or risk being returned to the Detroit Tigers, the organization that originally developed him, despite Hicks never advancing beyond Double-A. Yet, the rookie answered the bell and held his own amid the heightened scrutiny.
The Marlins’ catcher role initially belonged to Nick Fortes, then shifted to fellow first-year player Agustin Ramirez, but Hicks saw his responsibilities expand as the season progressed. He started 49 games behind the plate and also logged 23 starts at first base and 20 as a designated hitter, with manager Clayton McCullough rotating him to keep his left-handed bat in the lineup whenever possible.
Power numbers were modest—six home runs, 20 extra-base hits in 390 plate appearances, and a 0.692 OPS—yet Hicks excelled at getting on base thanks to a patient approach and a simple, compact swing. His .346 on-base percentage ranked fourth among Marlins players with at least 250 plate appearances and eighth among all qualified rookies in MLB for the year.
Statistically, Hicks sat in the upper echelons of several advanced metrics. He finished in the top quartile in chase rate (just 17.6%, 98th percentile), whiff rate (15.1%, 91st percentile), strikeout rate (14.4%, 87th percentile), and walk rate (11%, 80th percentile) among qualified MLB hitters last season. By embracing steady playing time, he grew more comfortable across multiple defensive spots, a versatility that should help him adapt as a core part of Miami’s plans.
Looking ahead, Hicks insists there’s more to unlock. He emphasizes ongoing daily adjustments, noting that the player you are in April won’t be the same in September. “There’s work to be done every day,” he said. “You can’t get complacent just because you’re in the big leagues. It’s a long season, and you’ve got to stay proactive, even when your body is tired, and know your role and embrace it.”
A notable development for Hicks in 2025 was his foray into pinch-hitting. Previously a full-time starter in the minors, he had to acclimate to late-inning opportunities, and he did so with growing confidence. He led the Marlins with 26 pinch-hit plate appearances, finishing at .190 (4-for-21) with three walks, a hit-by-pitch, and a sacrifice fly. Hicks believes this transition is here to stay, and his readiness improved as the season wore on.
As the 2026 season opens, Hicks and Ramirez are the likely duo behind the plate, with Joe Mack—a top catching prospect in Miami’s system—waiting in the wings. Mack is known for strong defensive work behind the plate and could receive an early call-up if he makes a strong impression in spring.
The Marlins project a solid pitching staff to support their lineup. Miami believes a dozen pitchers could be competitive in the rotation after moving on from Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers. The early-season rotation is expected to feature Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, Max Meyer, Braxton Garrett, and Chris Paddack, health permitting, with the bullpen bolstered by the addition of closer Pete Fairbanks and lefty John King. Returning contributors like Anthony Bender, Tyler Phillips, Calvin Faucher, and Cade Gibson will also be in the mix, with spring training decisions still unsettled.
A note from the relief corps: Calvin Faucher lost his arbitration case, resulting in a $1.8 million salary for 2026 (Faucher had requested $2.05 million). Faucher, 30, led Miami with 15 saves in 20 opportunities and posted a 3.28 ERA with 59 strikeouts across 60 1/3 innings in 65 relief appearances last year. Expect him to continue as a high-leverage option, likely in a setup role this season after the offseason addition of Fairbanks.
In short, Hicks’ rookie year demonstrated resilience and versatility, laying a foundation that Miami hopes to build upon in 2026. The Marlins’ blended approach—keeping Hicks in the lineup, expanding his defensive flexibility, and embracing his evolving role as a pinch-hitter—aims to maximize his upside while supporting a pitching staff designed to compete.
Would you agree that Hicks has proven his ability to grow into a daily contributor, or do you see potential gaps that Miami should address early in the season? Is there a particular facet of his game you think the Marlins should prioritize to accelerate his development?
