MIAMI — The Miami Marlins made a significant addition to their farm system Monday, acquiring three prospects ranked inside Tampa Bay’s organizational Top 30 — right‑hander Jacob Kisting, shortstop Adrian Santana, and infielder Brayden Taylor — in exchange for catcher Liam Hicks. The deal delivers Miami a blend of pitching depth, athleticism, and offensive upside as the club continues to reshape its player development pipeline.
Kisting Arrives as One of Tampa Bay’s Fastest-Rising Arms
Kisting, 23, has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the Rays’ system this season. Ranked No. 26 by MLB Pipeline, the 6‑foot‑5 right‑hander leads all Tampa Bay minor leaguers with a 1.67 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and .180 opponents’ average across 18 games (16 starts) for High‑A Bowling Green. He has struck out 96 while issuing only 18 walks, producing a 28.5% strikeout rate — second-highest in the organization — and a 5.3% walk rate, fifth-lowest among Rays farmhands.
Acquired by Tampa Bay in a November 2025 trade, Kisting debuted professionally last season in the Twins’ system, posting a 3.79 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 73.2 innings between Cedar Rapids and Fort Myers. Minnesota selected him in the 14th round of the 2024 draft out of Bradley University.
Santana Brings Speed, Defense, and Contact Skills
Santana, 21, ranked No. 27 in the Rays’ system, has excelled at High‑A Bowling Green, hitting .316/.381/.400 with 40 runs, 23 stolen bases, and a 9.5% strikeout rate in 51 games. The switch-hitting shortstop has been one of the most reliable defenders in the minors, committing just one error in 179 chances for a .994 fielding percentage.
A native of Hialeah, Fla., Santana was selected 31st overall in the 2023 draft out of Doral Academy. He has appeared in 256 minor league games since entering the Rays’ system, batting .262 with a .656 OPS.
Taylor Adds Power and On-Base Ability From the Left Side
Taylor, 24, ranked No. 16 in Tampa Bay’s system, has produced one of his strongest professional seasons at Double‑A Montgomery. The left-handed infielder is hitting .284/.384/.513 with 17 home runs, 56 RBI, and 51 walks in 88 games, showcasing both power and plate discipline. His 13.4% walk rate and 22.9% strikeout rate reflect a mature offensive profile.
Selected 19th overall in the 2023 draft out of TCU, Taylor has hit .235 with a .784 OPS, 50 home runs, and 77 stolen bases across 335 minor league games. He earned South Atlantic League postseason honors in 2024 and was named a 2025 Arizona Fall League Rising Star after posting an .872 OPS with Mesa.
Hicks Heads to Tampa Bay After Breakout Season in Miami
Hicks, 27, delivered a career-best campaign for Miami, batting .282/.363/.432 with 14 home runs, 62 RBI, and 54 runs in 101 games. He ranked among MLB’s most disciplined hitters, posting a 10.9% whiff rate and 9.5% strikeout rate, both top-five marks among qualified hitters.
A Rule 5 selection in 2025, Hicks hit .265 with a .746 OPS across two seasons with the Marlins. The Toronto native was drafted by Texas in the ninth round in 2021 out of Arkansas State.
The trade provides Miami with three high-upside prospects — including two recent high draft picks — while Tampa Bay adds a disciplined, contact-oriented catcher capable of contributing immediately at the major league level.
