Red Sox Trade Jordan Hicks and Prospect to White Sox; Gain Righty Prospect

The Boston Red Sox executed a significant trade with the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. This move was primarily aimed at achieving salary relief while simultaneously revamping their roster. The Red Sox traded right-handers Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin, along with $8 million in cash, in exchange for right-handed prospect Gage Ziehl. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, has now been officially confirmed by both teams.

Details of the Trade

The trade involves six players in total. Along with Hicks and Sandlin, the Red Sox will send two additional players to be named later. In return, they will receive Ziehl and one player to be named later from the White Sox. This marks a creative attempt by the Red Sox to shed Hicks’ considerable salary obligations while acquiring a promising young talent.

Financial Implications

Hicks, who signed a contract with the San Francisco Giants in January 2024, was burdened with a $12 million competitive balance tax (CBT) hit for each of the next two seasons. Following this trade, the Red Sox will now only carry a $4 million salary obligation for each season, while the White Sox take on the remaining $8 million. Hicks is owed a total of $12.5 million over the next two years, with Chicago responsible for $8.5 million.

The Players Involved

• Jordan Hicks: Part of a previous trade that sent Rafael Devers to the Giants, Hicks struggled with an 8.20 ERA over 18.2 innings before being sidelined by a shoulder injury.
• David Sandlin: Recently ranked as the No. 11 prospect in Boston’s system, Sandlin posted a 4.50 ERA in 106 innings across various levels last season.
• Gage Ziehl: The 22-year-old prospect, previously with the Yankees, has a 4.12 ERA over 107 innings pitched across three levels.

Strategic Significance

This trade not only helps the Red Sox reduce their current payroll but also clears two spots on their 40-man roster. It allows for potential future transactions heading into the spring training season. Following the signing of Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, and Ranger Suárez, the Red Sox were operating with a CBT payroll around $269 million. Now, after the trade, their payroll sits closer to $261 million, just under the second CBT threshold of $264 million.

Future Outlook

With open positions at second and third base, the Red Sox remain active in seeking further infield reinforcements. They might explore additional salary relief options through the trade of other high-salaried players such as Masataka Yoshida and Patrick Sandoval. As the team gears up for the upcoming season, the focus will be on structuring a competitive roster that can contend effectively.