Liam Hicks Bio
Liam John Sherwood Hicks (born June 2, 1999) is a Canadian professional baseball catcher for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Toronto native made his MLB debut with the Marlins on March 28, 2025. Hicks previously played in the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers organizations before joining the Marlins via the Rule 5 draft in December 2024. He is known for his defensive work behind the plate and his developing offensive capabilities.
Early Life and Background
Hicks grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He attended Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute in Toronto during his high school years. His passion for baseball developed during his formative years in Canada’s baseball scene, which provided a foundation for his future ambitions in the sport.
After high school, Hicks pursued higher education and baseball at the collegiate level. He enrolled at Mineral Area College where he played for their college baseball team for two years, developing his skills as a catcher and building a reputation as a solid defensive and offensive player.
Hicks then transferred to Arkansas State University where he played for the Arkansas State Red Wolves for two seasons. His performance with the Red Wolves helped establish him as a professional prospect, showcasing his abilities as a two-way catcher capable of contributing both defensively and at the plate.
Path to Professional Baseball
Hicks’ path to professional baseball came through the 2021 Major League Baseball draft. The Texas Rangers selected him in the ninth round with the 254th overall selection. His selection represented the culmination of his development through the Canadian amateur system and his two seasons at Arkansas State University.
After being drafted, Hicks signed with the Rangers and received a $30,000 signing bonus. He made his professional debut with the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Rangers, beginning his journey through the minor leagues with the goal of reaching Major League Baseball.
Liam Hicks Career
Minor League Development (2021–2024)
Following his professional debut in the Arizona Complex League, Hicks spent the 2022 season advancing through multiple affiliates within the Rangers organization. He appeared in 50 games split between the High-A Hickory Crawdads, Single-A Down East Wood Ducks, and the ACL Rangers. His offensive output was impressive, as he posted a cumulative batting line of .327/.462/.460 with three home runs, 32 runs batted in, and five stolen bases. These numbers demonstrated his potential as an offensive threat from the catcher position.
The 2023 season saw Hicks continue his development with the Hickory Crawdads and Double-A Frisco RoughRiders. He played in 92 games across both levels and hit a combined .275/.414/.373 with four home runs, 45 RBI, and seven stolen bases. His consistent performance throughout the season helped position him for potential future opportunities at the Major League level.
Detroit Tigers Tenure (2024)
On July 28, 2024, the Rangers traded Hicks along with Tyler Owens to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Carson Kelly. The trade represented a significant opportunity for Hicks to continue his development within a new organization. Upon joining the Tigers, he was assigned to the Double-A Erie SeaWolves.
Hicks played in 33 games down the stretch for Erie, demonstrating his abilities at the Double-A level. He slashed .272/.414/.368 with two home runs, 14 RBI, and two stolen bases during his time with the SeaWolves. His performance in the Tigers system helped him gain additional experience before his eventual move to Major League Baseball.
Miami Marlins Era (2025–Present)
On December 11, 2024, the Miami Marlins selected Hicks from the Tigers in the Rule 5 draft. This draft selection gave the Marlins the opportunity to add him to their Major League roster. Following spring training, Hicks made the Marlins Opening Day roster, officially beginning his Major League career.
Hicks made his MLB debut on March 28, 2025, marking the realization of his dream to reach the highest level of professional baseball. A memorable moment came on April 19, 2025, when he hit his first career home run. The blast came off fellow Canadian Jordan Romano of the Philadelphia Phillies, making the milestone particularly special given the international connection between the two Canadian catchers.
In his rookie season with the Marlins, Hicks appeared in 85 games and batted .247 with six home runs and 45 RBI. His defensive work behind the plate contributed to the Marlins’ pitching staff, and his offensive production showed promise for continued development at the Major League level. Through June 19, 2026, he has accumulated career statistics of a .260 batting average, 19 home runs, and 98 RBI across 122 MLB games.
Defensive Role and Strengths
Hicks serves as a catcher for the Miami Marlins, bringing solid defensive capabilities to the position. His experience through multiple minor league levels has refined his pitch-framing skills, game-calling abilities, and throw efficiency to base runners. His offensive development has shown particular promise in his ability to work counts and reach base, as evidenced by his consistently above-average on-base percentages throughout his professional career.
Notable Milestones
His first career home run on April 19, 2025, against Jordan Romano stands as a significant early-career milestone. The moment held special significance as it connected two Canadian catchers at the Major League level. His selection in the Rule 5 draft and subsequent Opening Day roster placement represented the culmination of his four-year journey through the minor leagues.
Liam Hicks Career Statistics
Through his time in Major League Baseball with the Miami Marlins, Hicks has established himself as a capable everyday catcher with offensive potential. His career numbers reflect a player who contributes meaningfully at the plate while handling the defensive responsibilities of the position.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Through June 19, 2026, Hicks has played 122 career MLB games, all with the Miami Marlins. He has compiled a career batting average of .260 with 19 home runs and 98 RBI. His 2025 rookie season provided the foundation for these numbers, with his first career home run serving as a memorable early highlight. His consistent offensive production has made him a reliable presence in the Marlins lineup.
Minor League Career Summary
Prior to reaching MLB, Hicks developed through the minor leagues with the Rangers and Tigers organizations from 2021 to 2024. His most impressive minor league season came in 2022 when he hit a combined .327 across three affiliates. His ability to hit for average and get on base consistently (.414 OBP in 2023) highlighted his potential as a two-way catcher at the professional level.
| Level | Games | BA | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (2025–2026) | 122 | .260 | 19 | 98 |
| MiLB (2021–2024) | 175 | .291 | 9 | 91 |
Liam Hicks Family
Family Background and Canadian Roots
Hicks was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His Canadian background provided the foundation for his baseball development, as he came up through the Canadian amateur baseball system before advancing to college baseball in the United States.
Personal Life
Information regarding Hicks’ personal life beyond his professional baseball career remains private. He maintains an active presence on social media under the handle @liamhicks28 on Instagram. His connection to his Canadian roots remains evident throughout his professional career, with his first career home run coming against fellow Canadian Jordan Romano.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Hicks’ rookie year in Major League Baseball with the Miami Marlins. After being selected in the Rule 5 draft and making the Opening Day roster out of spring training, he established himself as the Marlins’ primary catcher. His debut season included 85 games played, a .247 batting average, six home runs, and 45 RBI. The highlight of his season came on April 19 when he hit his first career home run, a moment that validated his journey from Canadian amateur baseball to MLB. His defensive partnership with the Marlins pitching staff showed promise, and his ability to work counts at the plate (.337 OBP) demonstrated his potential for continued growth. The Marlins provided him with the opportunity to develop at the Major League level, and his performance in his first season suggested a player capable of contributing at the MLB level for years to come.