Red Sox Trade Jordan Hicks to White Sox, Updated Payrolls Ahead of 2026 MLB Season

The Boston Red Sox shed some salary in a trade with the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

The Red Sox sent relief pitcher Jordan Hicks, right-handed pitching prospect David Sandlin and two players to be named later to the White Sox in exchange for right-handed pitcher Gage Ziehl and a player to be named later.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that Mark Feinsand of MLB.com first reported details of the deal.

Tim Healey of the Boston Globe reported that the Red Sox are also sending $8 million to Chicago in the deal, with Hicks set to make $24 million over the next two seasons. Chris Cotillo of Mass Live explained that Boston was able to clear $8 million over each of the next two years:

Passan noted that the White Sox agreed to pay $17 million of the remaining money owed to Hicks because of the inclusion of Sandlin in the trade.

Chicago had some extra flexibility after clearing $20 million in the trade that sent outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets last month. The team has been more active in recent weeks, signing closer Seranthony Dominguez to a two-year, $20 million contract, outfielder Austin Hays to a one-year, $6 million deal and now acquiring Hicks.

A seven-year veteran, Hicks was sent to the Red Sox from the San Francisco Giants last June. He made 21 appearances out of the bullpen for Boston and went 1-2 with an 8.20 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 18.2 innings pitched. According to Passan, since Hicks signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Giants prior to the 2024 season, he's posted a 5.19 ERA with opponents hitting .277/.364/.425 against him.

The White Sox will be hoping that Hicks can return to form in Chicago, and the addition of Sandlin gives them some extra hope for the future. The prospect could have a shot at competing for a spot in the team's rotation this season.