Manager Clayton McCullough reveals a surprising name poised for a major leap. Learn why Liam Hicks is the unexpected key to the Marlins' future success.
At the team’s media day over the weekend, Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough was asked who will be the team’s breakout player.
At first, he said shortstop Otto Lopez, who hit 15 home runs and drove in 77 runs last season, finishing as the team’s second-most valuable position player by WAR behind All-Star Kyle Stowers.
But McCullough amended his initial answer to add Liam Hicks. The catcher flies a little under the radar compared to Lopez. Last season, Hick’s put up an unremarkable .247/.346/.346 stat line, hitting six homers, driving in 31 runs and having an OPS+ of 94, which is six points below the league average.
But McCullough said Hicks had a “really good year.”
McCullough credited Hicks for how he controlled the strike zone, and Hicks did do a good job making contract, striking out in less in less than 15 percent of his plate appearances, which is an excellent rate.
Oftentimes, contact hitters struggle to draw walks, but that wasn’t the case with Hicks last year.
Hicks’ on-base percentage was 100 points higher than his batting average, which speaks well for his ability to draw walks.
Fish on First reported late last season that Hicks’ OBP was the sixth-highest amongst rookies with at least 300 plate appearances.
McCullough said that Hicks has worked on his bat speed over the offseason, which should help his power numbers.
“Every little bit is going to add some carry to the balls he hits in the air,” McCullough said.
It’s this department where Hicks has the most room to grow offensively.
It’s never a good sign for somebody’s power when their slugging percentage is the same as their on-base percentage.
Hicks’ advanced power numbers are even uglier.
Isolated power is an advanced metric that weighs only extra base hits.
Hicks’ ISO was below .100, which is well below average.
Defensively, Hicks’ best way to get on the field will be at first base, where he only played 28 games last season.
But because the Marlins have Agustín Ramírez starting until top catching prospect Joe Mack is ready, first base is the most sensible way for Hicks to become a regular. Right now, FanGraphs projects that Hicks will be the Marlins’ opening day first baseman, hitting seventh.
McCullough was pleased with where the Hicks came along defensively, and pointed out that Hicks is one of the rare prospects who has gone from AA to the majors.
Even more rare is the fact that Hicks came to the Marlins as a Rule 5 draft pick in December 2024, so it was a suprise to some that Hicks made the big team so soon.
Hicks started 2026 by getting engaged, so it’s already a great year for his personal life.
For McCullough, it could be a great year for Hicks’ professional life, too.
“I think Liam, with that position, his ability to catch, he can play first base. And I think offensively, there’s a lot of room where he can take some steps.
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