Hicks, 26, was a major Rule 5 success for the Marlins this past year. He doesn’t have a whole lot of pop in his bat, but he drove in 45 runs while sporting an 11% walk rate to pair with a 14.4% strikeout rate. His 98 wRC+ was right in line with Jansen’s while he was with the Rays, and he’s got age on his side.
Rushing, a longtime blocked prospect of the Dodgers, isn’t going to get full-time reps behind the plate for them as long as Will Smith is on the roster (which is going to be a long, long time). Rushing’s done nothing but rake on his ascent up the minor league ladder and should have any teams looking for an offensive-oriented catcher salivating.
While he hit just for home runs and had a 62 wRC+ in a 53-game cameo this past year in the big leagues, his 143 wRC+ in Triple-A looks much better. The 26 home runs and 85 RBI he had in 2024 (146 wRC+) looks even better than that.
Rushing isn’t much of a defender behind the plate, but he can seriously swing it. The Rays can afford to bring him in via trade and roster him while he comes into his own at the big league level. Oft-used backup to Nick Fortes while Rushing figures out big league pitching? Sure. Eventual starter if/when he finds his stride? You bet.
Acquire a Right-Handed Hitting Outfielder
Taking a look at the Rays’ projected lineup (and bench) if the 2026 season started today, there are a whole lot of left-handed bats. Junior Caminero, a right-handed swinging slugger, is their best power hitter, but otherwise you’re looking at a ton of lefties.
Sure, Vilade and Jonny DeLuca are on hand as platoon bats for any of Mullins, Josh Lowe, and/or Chandler Simpson, but they’re not necessarily needle-movers. Vilade currently sports a career wRC+ of 29 against LHP, while DeLuca is at 75 for his career.