Marlins and Rays Swing Deals at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline

Florida's two Major League Baseball teams were active as the trade deadline arrived. At the August 3 cutoff, the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays each reshaped their rosters — including a deal that kept talent inside the state.

In an intrastate swap, the Marlins traded catcher Liam Hicks to the Rays in exchange for a package of young players: infielder Brayden Taylor, shortstop Adrian Santana, and right-handed pitcher Jacob Kisting. Miami also dealt left-hander Braxton Garrett to the Chicago Cubs, receiving infielder Jonathon Long and right-hander Jace Beck in return — the kind of prospect-focused moves that have defined the Marlins' approach.

Building for later

Both Florida clubs have long leaned on player development and value over big spending, and the 2026 deadline fit the pattern: swapping established pieces for youth and depth. For fans in Miami and Tampa Bay, the deals offered a glimpse of how each front office sees its next competitive window taking shape.

Sources: Miami Sports Wire; Sports Illustrated (Inside the Marlins); MLB transaction reports.