Marlins score big in Liam Hicks trade with Rays, nabbing Brayden Taylor, others
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Tampa Bay Rays acquired catcher Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins in exchange for infielders Adrian Santana and Brayden Taylor, and right-handed pitcher Jacob Kisting.
- Hicks, a late-blooming, bat-first catcher having his best professional season, offers improved offense despite below-average defense and a low caught-stealing rate; he is not yet arbitration-eligible.
- The Marlins received a promising package, including Brayden Taylor, a former first-round pick showing improved performance this year after struggles in previous seasons.
- Adrian Santana is an elite defensive shortstop with improved hitting due to added strength, projected to be an everyday player within two to three years.
- Jacob Kisting, a 23-year-old pitcher with strong control and a unique delivery, has potential as a back-end starter if he develops his breaking ball further.
