This NL East team could help solve the Rangers current catching dilemma

It was sort of a given that the Texas Rangers would end up parting ways with their former All-Star catcher Jonah Heim during the offseason. Therefore, when. it did happen it wasn't a shock but it still meant having to fill yet another hole in the roster.

Heim's departure left just Kyle Higashioka as the team's catcher and with no true backup sitting in the minor leagues, the Rangers will have to explore external candidates.

That could lead to several names on the free agent market but it could also be beneficial for Texas to call up the Miami Marlins front office and inquire about their wealth of backstops, which for the most part are up and coming.

Marlins catching depth could benefit Rangers' 2026 needs

Right now the Marlins have three catchers on their 40-man roster, the oldest of which is former Rangers ninth-round pick Liam Hicks at just 26 years old.

Beyond Hicks, Miami has 24-year-old Augustin Ramirez and 22-year-old Joe Mack. Given Mack's age and him being the team's fourth overall prospect, parting with him seems unlikely and leaves the previously mentioned two.

Ramirez was the big league team's primary catcher in 2025, playing in 135 games with 73 of those as the catcher and 63 as a DH. He slashed .231/.287/.413 with 21 home runs, 67 RBIs, 33 doubles, 16 stolen bases and a .700 OPS.

Hicks was drafted in the Rule 5 Draft by Miami last December after not being protected by the Detroit Tigers. He arrived in Detroit courtesy of the Rangers as part of a trade that sent him and RHP Tyler Owens to the Motor City for Carson Kelly.

Splitting time as Miami's catcher, first base and DH, Hicks hit .247 with six homers, 45 RBIs, 13 doubles, walked 43 times compared to 56 strikeouts with a .692 OPS in 119 games.

Which of these options would intrigue the Rangers more?

As far as contracts go, the Rangers don't have to really worry about that given they are in arbitration years and will be for the next few seasons. To add to that, they will both be making $820,000 in 2026, which massively helps payroll issues.

Ramirez's numbers jump off the page more but the versatility of Hick's to also split time at 1B alongside his C and DH duties would be a positive. If Miami was smart they'd try to deal Hicks for a good price as Ramirez seems likely to be a big part of the organization's future.

For what it helps, Texas also does have recent history with the Marlins. Last offseason they acquired Jake Burger in a deal that sent infielders Max Acosta and Echedry Vargas, along left-handed pitcher Brayan Mendoza to Miami.

In July, Miami traded Nick Fortes to Tampa Bay to clear room on the roster to move forward with Ramirez and Hicks to take the reigns behind the plate.

Easy to imagine that either would be open to whatever comes there way as they are simply just looking to get playing time. As for Texas, it would likely take a handful of prospects in return either direction but Miami would be more open than most to trading one of their guys because they just have another one waiting in the queue.