The Miami Marlins appear to be open for business ahead of Monday's trade deadline and are discussing deals involving catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks and outfielder/first baseman Kyle Stowers, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon.
Miami appears to be more open-minded about trading the pair than they are middle infielders Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards, Rosenthal and Sammon add. The Marlins were reportedly willing to listen to offers for both Lopez and Edwards earlier this week.
The Marlins could be looking to capitalize on Hicks' career year now that Joe Mack has entered the picture and with multiple teams seeking catching help. The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays are among the teams reportedly interested in the 27-year-old Hicks, who has 14 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a .798 OPS in 100 games this season.
Meanwhile, Stowers' value has increased with him playing first base on top of the outfield this season. The 28-year-old is tied for the team lead in homers (16) despite missing the first three-and-a-half weeks of the campaign with a strained hamstring.
The Houston Astros are among the teams to inquire about Stowers, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The two sides are in ongoing discussions.
