Hicks caught Sandy Alcantara on Sunday, and the Marlins' ace came away impressed by his game-calling and pitch framing, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.
Hicks was selected in the Rule 5 draft from Detroit, giving Miami every incentive to keep him on the 26-man roster, but Hicks is showing early in camp he can make an immediate contribution as well. The 25-year-old backstop went 1-for-2 at the plate Sunday, but it's his work behind the plate that will likely keep him in the majors. Hicks has yet to play above Double-A, and he slashed .264/.379/.357 over 113 games at that level in 2024 split between the Tigers' and Rangers' organizations. If he does secure a spot on the Marlins' roster, he'll back up Nick Fortes to begin the season.
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Marlins' Liam Hicks: Selected in Rule 5 draft
Rotowire
The Marlins selected Hicks with the second pick in the Rule 5 draft Wednesday, JJ Cooper of Baseball America reports.
The Rockies passed on selecting anyone with the second pick and the Marlins selected Hicks out of the three hole. Hicks was acquired by Detroit from the Rangers at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Carson Kelly to Texas. Hicks is nearly big-league ready but projects to be a backup catcher long term. He'll be competing with Nick Fortes and prospect Agustin Ramirez for playing time behind the dish.
