The Chicago White Sox made a calculated pitching move on Sunday that says more about the Boston Red Sox

On Sunday, the Chicago White Sox pulled off a smart pitching trade that reveals a lot about the Boston Red Sox. The deal, which was made public on February 1, 2026, sees the White Sox bringing in right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks and pitching prospect David Sandlin from Boston, plus some cash, in return for pitching prospect Gage Ziehl and a few other players to be named later.

This deal highlights Boston's approach to managing their payroll and luxury tax duties ahead of the 2026 season, as reported by several sources. The Red Sox are sending $8 million to Chicago to help offset part of Hicks' remaining contract, which totals $24 million over the next two seasons. Will Sammon of The Athletic noted that Boston will send $8 million in cash as part of the deal. This move is referred to as a salary dump for the Red Sox, who are clearing $16 million of the $24 million Hicks was owed over the next two seasons off their financial records, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

Chicago White Sox to reduce 2026 luxury tax burden

This trade is happening because the Red Sox want to cut down their luxury tax bill for 2026. Boston's return for power hitter Rafael Devers is getting smaller, with right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks, who the Red Sox picked up last season in the big trade for Devers, now going to the White Sox along with fellow righty David Sandlin, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan and mentioned in the New York Post.


Hicks joined the Red Sox in a trade back in June 2025 that involved sending Rafael Devers to San Francisco. However, his 2025 stats showed a 6.95 ERA, 7.8 K/9, 1.66 WHIP, 2 saves, and 1 blown save, according to CBS Sports. This trade is part of Boston's plan to cut costs and free up a lot of payroll space, as noted by MLB Trade Rumors.

Chicago White Sox strengthen pitching depth by acquiring Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin

This trade is a win for the Red Sox since it cuts down their luxury tax bill for 2026, according to the Associated Press. It's another move stemming from the Devers trade, where Boston is offloading some assets from that deal to keep their finances in check, as reported by the New York Post.

The White Sox are boosting their pitching lineup by bringing in Hicks and Sandlin, which are some serious power arms, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune about the trade. The negotiations led to a successful trade on Sunday, where the White Sox picked up right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks and pitching prospect David Sandlin, plus some cash, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. It looks like Jordan Hicks will fit into either the bullpen or the rotation, thanks to his adaptable experience highlighted by various sources.

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