Marlins get 5 prospects for Hicks, Garrett; acquire RHPs Vodnik, Bidois

NEW YORK -- Once the clock struck 6 p.m. ET to signify the passing of the Trade Deadline, the Marlins had orchestrated four deals that subtracted from their 40-man roster but didn’t curtail their postseason chances while also adding to their farm system’s depth.

It has been a wild three weeks for the Marlins (58-55), who had lost a franchise-record 12 games in a row before rattling off wins in six of seven to draw within 1 1/2 games of the D-backs and Phillies for the second National League Wild Card.

Miami entered Monday’s off-day with a 23.4 percent chance of reaching the postseason per FanGraphs, so the organization toed a line of managing its short-term and long-term vision.

Things began by sending Liam Hicks to the Rays for three of their Top 30 prospects: infielder Brayden Taylor (No. 16, now MIA No. 10), right-hander Jacob Kisting (No. 26, now MIA No. 22) and shortstop Adrian Santana (No. 27, now MIA No. 23).

TRADE DETAILS
Rays receive: C/1B Liam Hicks
Marlins receive: INF Brayden Taylor (TB No. 16 prospect), RHP Jacob Kisting (TB No. 26) and SS Adrian Santana (TB No. 27)

Taylor highlights the trio, fitting the mold of what the organization looks for: someone with positional versatility. The 24-year-old has primarily played third base, which is a position lacking depth in Miami’s system. Taylor also is Rule 5 Draft-eligible this offseason, so he will be added to the 40-man roster then.

Moving the bat-first Hicks, whom they selected in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, happened with his value at its highest and freed up the designated hitter role that he had inherited since being blocked at two positions.

While Hicks was Miami’s most consistent run-producing threat, delivering a slash line of .282/.363/.432 with 14 homers and 62 RBIs, he had taken a backseat to Gold Glove-caliber rookie Joe Mack at catcher and 2025 All-Star Kyle Stowers at first base. With his departure, the DH could be used in a rotation of Stowers, Owen Caissie, Griffin Conine, Heriberto Hernández and others.

The Marlins next dealt left-hander Braxton Garrett to the Cubs for two of their Top 30 prospects: first baseman/outfielder Jonathon Long (No. 10) and right-hander Jace Beck (No. 28).

TRADE DETAILS
Cubs receive: LHP Braxton Garrett
Marlins receive: 1B/OF Jonathon Long (CHC No. 10) and RHP Jace Beck (CHC No. 28)

The acquisition of Long adds two key traits lacking in the Marlins’ organization: a first baseman and a right-handed bat. His situation is also very similar to that of Caissie, who didn’t have anything left to prove at Triple-A but was blocked in Chicago.

In his return from a second Tommy John surgery, Garrett didn't make the Marlins' Opening Day roster out of camp but had been one of the better pitchers at the Triple-A level (2.90 ERA). However, the soon-to-be 29-year-old finesse pitcher struggled with his command in two big league starts and didn’t receive another promotion after May. In 67 career games (65 starts), Garrett had a 4.16 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP for the Marlins, who took him seventh overall in the 2017 MLB Draft.

Miami’s final two trades primarily impacted the Major League bullpen.

The Marlins dealt infielder Connor Norby and prospect Aiden May to the Rockies for Victor Vodnik, whose 98.6 mph average fastball velocity and 55.6% groundball rate rank in the 96th and 95th percentiles, respectively.

TRADE DETAILS
Rockies receive: INF Connor Norby, RHP Aiden May
Marlins receive: RHP Victor Vodnik

Vodnik, 26, saved 10 games and recorded a 160 ERA+ last season for Colorado. In 2026, he has just four saves and a 94 ERA+, though he holds a 2.08 ERA since June 16. Miami will be confident in its pitching group rediscovering the 2025 Vodnik.

Finally, Miami sent out Lake Bachar to Pittsburgh for right-hander Brandan Bidois, who will join Vodnik on the 40-man roster, and lower-level prospects Hyun Seung Lee and Brian Sanchez.

TRADE DETAILS
Pirates receive: RHP Lake Bachar
Marlins receive: RHP Brandan Bidois, INF Hyun Seung Lee, OF Brian Sanchez

Bidois has made 15 relief appearances for the Pirates this season, giving up 16 runs (11 earned), striking out 20 batters and walking 12 over 15 2/3 innings. His fastball averaged 96.9 mph (86th percentile). Bachar was used in various roles for Miami, from opener to middle relief.