MLB rumors: Red Sox trade one of baseball’s hardest-throwing pitchers to Chicago

MLB rumors: Red Sox trade one of baseball’s hardest-throwing pitchers to Chicago

February 1, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Major League Baseball’s offseason continues to unfold as teams prepare for spring training. Several free agents and potential trade candidates remain available, leading to ongoing speculation and roster adjustments. Recent activity includes a trade between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox, announced on Sunday.

White Sox Acquire Jordan Hicks

The Boston Red Sox have traded right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks and right-handed pitching prospect David Sandlin to the Chicago White Sox. In return, the White Sox sent right-handed pitching prospect Gage Ziehl and a player to be named back to Boston, as reported by ESPN and MassLive.com.

Did You Know? Jordan Hicks has experience as both a starting pitcher and a reliever, having made 37 starts and 238 relief appearances throughout his seven seasons in MLB.

Hicks, 29, is known for his velocity and has pitched for both the Red Sox and the San Francisco Giants last season. He posted a 6.95 ERA and a 4.35 FIP across 67 ⅓ innings. He has a career ERA+ of 91. Hicks is under contract through the 2027 season, with a salary of $12.5 million per year for the next two seasons, a commitment largely assumed by the White Sox.

David Sandlin, 25 on February 21st, was originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals. He has a 4.38 ERA in four minor league seasons, totaling 232 innings pitched with 279 strikeouts across 47 starts and 18 relief appearances. He reached the Triple-A level in 2025.

Gage Ziehl, 22, was a fourth-round draft pick in 2024 from the University of Miami. In his first minor league season, he recorded a 4.12 ERA and a K/BB ratio of 4.74, making 22 starts and one relief appearance.

Expert Insight: This trade indicates the White Sox are investing in pitching talent, potentially aiming to bolster their rotation or bullpen with a player who has demonstrated both starting and relief capabilities. The inclusion of a prospect in the deal suggests a longer-term strategy.

The acquisition of Hicks provides the White Sox with a potentially high-impact arm, while the Red Sox receive a pitching prospect in Ziehl and another player yet to be determined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What positions does Jordan Hicks play?

Jordan Hicks has experience as both a reliever and a starting pitcher.

How long is Jordan Hicks under contract?

Jordan Hicks is under contract through the 2027 season.

What level did David Sandlin reach in the minor leagues?

David Sandlin reached the Triple-A level in 2025.

How will this trade impact both teams’ strategies as they approach spring training and the upcoming season?

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