What a start it’s been for the Miami Marlins and, in particular, their breakout star behind the plate, Liam Hicks. As the 2026 MLB season gets underway, Hicks has quickly become a household name, dazzling fans and analysts alike with his explosive bat and steady glove. The 24-year-old catcher, who joined the Marlins via the Rule 5 Draft in December 2024, isn’t just holding his own—he’s leading the league in RBIs and showing a versatility that’s proving essential for a team in flux.
Let’s rewind to the Marlins’ recent series against the Chicago White Sox. On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Miami fans were treated to a performance that highlighted both Hicks’s raw talent and the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. With regular first baseman Christopher Morel sidelined by an oblique injury just before Opening Day, the Marlins have been forced to shuffle their lineup, turning to a rotating cast at first base. Connor Norby, Owen Caissie, Deyvison De Los Santos, Griffin Conine, and, yes, even Hicks have all taken turns at the corner infield spot. But on Tuesday, it was Hicks’s turn to shine.
In that 9-2 rout of the White Sox, Hicks went 1-for-3 at the plate, driving in two runs, scoring twice himself, and drawing a walk. He also notched his first double of the young season, boosting his batting average to a robust .364. According to Marlins Radio Network, “Miami moves to 4-1 for the first time since 2014.” Hicks’s eighth RBI of the season came in that game, and he was quick to credit his teammates and the coaching staff for putting him in a position to succeed.
“I’m just trying to do my part for the team,” Hicks said in a postgame interview with @SStrom_. “We’ve got a lot of guys stepping up right now. Every day, someone new is making a difference. That keeps us motivated.”
Hicks’s contributions didn’t stop there. Just a day later, on April 1, 2026, he drove in three more runs against the White Sox, bringing his season RBI total to an MLB-leading 11 in just five games. His ability to deliver in clutch situations—whether it’s a timely single or a towering home run—has injected a sense of confidence into the Marlins’ dugout. It’s no wonder fans are already buzzing about his potential as a future star.
But Hicks’s journey to this moment wasn’t always smooth sailing. Born in 2002 in the United States, he spent several seasons honing his craft in the minor leagues, where his offensive prowess and solid defense caught the attention of scouts. When the Marlins selected him in the Rule 5 Draft, it was a gamble on potential—and so far, it’s paying off in spades.
“Liam’s got a great approach at the plate and a real feel for the game,” said Marlins manager Skip Schumaker after the team’s latest win. “He’s stepped up in a big way, not just with his bat but with his leadership. The guys look up to him, and that’s saying something for a player his age.”
The Marlins’ situation at first base has been a revolving door since Morel’s injury. Connor Norby, originally pegged for third base, cross-trained at first during the offseason after concerns about his defense. He’s started three times at first. Deyvison De Los Santos, who can handle both first and third, made his MLB debut at the position but was soon optioned back to Triple-A. Griffin Conine, son of Marlins legend Jeff Conine, has also filled in at first, showing the same versatility his father once did. Liam Hicks, primarily a catcher, got his first start at first base on March 31, and his adaptability has been crucial in keeping the Marlins’ lineup balanced and productive.
“It’s not easy switching positions, especially at this level,” Hicks admitted. “But wherever they need me, I’m ready. I grew up playing a little bit of everything, so I just try to stay prepared and help the team however I can.”
Despite the constant shuffling, the Marlins’ first basemen have managed a combined slash line of .235/.278/.412 through five games, with Hicks being the first to drive in runs from the position. While those numbers might not leap off the page, they’re more than acceptable given the circumstances. More importantly, they reflect a team that’s willing to adapt and fight through adversity—traits that have defined the Marlins’ best seasons.
Owen Caissie, who got his chance in the lineup thanks to the domino effect of Morel’s injury, has also made the most of his opportunity. Meanwhile, the club is eagerly awaiting Morel’s return, which is expected in several weeks. When he’s healthy, the plan is to give him a real shot at first base—a position he was targeted for during the offseason, despite never having played it in a regular-season MLB game.
“We’re just trying to keep things rolling until Chris gets back,” said Norby. “Everyone’s doing their part, and it’s been fun to see guys step up. That’s what good teams do.”
For the Marlins, the early returns are encouraging. Their 4-1 start marks their best opening since 2014, and the team’s depth is proving to be a real asset. Hicks’s emergence as an offensive force, coupled with the flexibility shown by Norby, De Los Santos, Conine, and Caissie, has allowed Miami to weather the storm of early-season injuries and keep pace in a competitive National League.
Fans and pundits alike are taking notice of Hicks’s poise under pressure and his knack for big moments. His leadership on and off the field has been especially valuable for a team with a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans. “You can see how much the guys respect him,” Schumaker observed. “He brings energy every day, and that’s contagious.”
As for Hicks, he’s not looking too far ahead. “I’m just focused on helping this team win games,” he said. “It’s a long season, and we’ve got a lot of work to do. But I like where we’re at, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
With Morel’s return on the horizon and the Marlins clicking on all cylinders, there’s plenty of reason for optimism in Miami. Liam Hicks’s breakout start has provided a jolt of excitement and set the tone for a season that’s already full of surprises. If he keeps this up, the Marlins—and their fans—could be in for a memorable ride.