This forgotten Tigers Rule 5 sacrifice looks like the steal of the century for Rays

A former Tigers catcher and Rule 5 draft sacrifice has a shot at becoming a World Series champion.

By Katrina Stebbins · Motor City Bengals

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 2:54 PM

Key Things to Know

Motor City Bengals highlights former Tigers catcher Liam Hicks as a major contributor to the Rays' World Series run.
Detroit lost Hicks in the Rule 5 draft to Miami, who later traded him to Tampa Bay.
Hicks hit a crucial two-run single in Game 2 of the ALCS against the Guardians.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Motor City Bengals highlights how former Detroit Tigers catcher Liam Hicks has emerged as a key contributor for the Tampa Bay Rays during their World Series run. Detroit originally acquired Hicks in a 2024 trade before losing him in the Rule 5 draft to the Miami Marlins, who subsequently traded him to Tampa Bay at the deadline.

The writer argues that losing Hicks is a significant blow for the Tigers, even though Detroit faced a roster crunch at catcher with Dillon Dingler and Jake Rogers. Hicks has provided strong defense and timely postseason hits for the Rays, including a crucial two-run single during Game 2 of the ALCS.

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This forgotten Tigers Rule 5 sacrifice looks like the steal of the century for Rays

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