Overview
- With the Aug. 3 non‑waiver trade deadline hours away, multiple reports say Miami is now discussing first baseman/outfielder Kyle Stowers and catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks more actively than previously mentioned trade candidates.
- Kyle Stowers is an All‑Star lefty power bat with 16 homers in 2026 who remains under team control through 2029, which makes him a premium but costly deadline target.
- Liam Hicks has boosted his value with a strong 2026 offensive season (14 homers, a .282/.363/.432 slash line and a 119 wRC+) and draws interest because quality catching options are scarce around the league.
- Several clubs are linked to the pair, with the Rays, Red Sox, Rangers, Diamondbacks and Guardians mentioned as fits for Hicks or Stowers and Jon Heyman reporting the Astros are engaged in talks about Stowers.
- Miami’s mixed buyer/seller posture and long control on both players mean the Marlins can listen to offers without selling cheaply, which could force contenders to trade top prospects or MLB pieces to win a compressed negotiation window.