Rays' updated lineup projection after Liam Hicks trade with Marlins

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Rays' updated lineup projection after Liam Hicks trade with Marlins originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Rays are gearing up for an AL East race with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

As of Monday afternoon, the Rays are 2.5 games ahead of the Yankees and five games ahead of the Red Sox in the AL East standings.

To help them win the division, they've made a trade with the Miami Marlins before Monday's deadline.

"The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring catcher Liam Hicks in a trade with the Miami Marlins, sources tell ESPN," ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote on X.

Rays' updated lineup projection with Liam Hicks​

Tampa Bay has been searching for better offensive production from the catcher's position for a few years.

The addition of Hicks is a solid move for a club with World Series aspirations. In 101 games this season, the left-handed hitter has slashed .282/.363/.432 with 14 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a .795 OPS.

MORE: Yankees' projected lineup with Luis Garcia Jr. after Nationals trade might have a problem

Hicks is under club control through the 2030 season.

Here's the Rays' updated lineup projection with Hicks:

1. Chandler Simpson - LF
2. Yandy Diaz - DH
3. Junior Caminero - 3B
4. Liam Hicks - C
5. Jonathan Aranda - 1B
6. Victor Mesa Jr. - RF
7. Jonny Deluca - CF
8. Ben Williamson - 2B
9. Taylor Walls - SS

The Rays also have Richie Palacios, Cedric Mullins, and Ryan Vilade as options off the bench.

Up until now, Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia, both right-handed hitters, have split time at catcher.

Hicks adds more power and comes with several years of control, so the Rays will have added a long-term bat to their lineup.

More MLB news:​

• Yankees strangely not interested in Marlins catcher Liam Hicks
• Cubs land Kevin Gausman in blockbuster trade with Blue Jays
• Red Sox expected to trade Jarren Duran during offseason, not MLB trade deadline
• Tigers receive lousy grade for Tarik Skubal trade to Dodgers from ESPN
• Phillies predicted to trade for a starting pitcher and reliever by MLB deadline

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