White Sox Update: Hicks, Sandlin, and Leasure’s Latest Developments
The Chicago White Sox have made a noteworthy transaction, acquiring right-handed pitchers Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin, along with two players to be named later. The team has also obtained $8 million in cash to assist with Hicks’ $24 million salary. This deal marks the third significant move for the White Sox in just four days.
Recent Transactions and Financial Outlook
Prior to this acquisition, the White Sox signed free agents Seranthony Dominguez and Austin Hays. This trio of players represents a total financial commitment of approximately $26 million for the upcoming season. This figure includes:
- $12 million owed to Hicks in 2026
- $6 million guaranteed for Hays in his one-year deal
- $8 million allocated for Dominguez’s first year of a two-year, $20 million contract
Interestingly, this amount is comparable to the $20 million the organization had set aside for Luis Robert Jr. before he was traded to the Mets in January.
Strategic Trade Insights
White Sox General Manager Chris Getz stated that the payroll flexibility gained from the Robert trade allowed the team to pursue long-term options like Hicks and Sandlin. He emphasized that acquiring Sandlin is akin to replenishing the losses from the Robert deal. However, this comes amid concerns regarding the team’s payroll, which currently stands at $85.5 million.
Despite historical payrolls nearing $200 million in recent years, the White Sox appear constrained in their current spending, raising questions about future investments.
Player Profiles: Hicks and Sandlin
Jordan Hicks
Jordan Hicks joins the White Sox after a challenging 2025 season where he posted a 6.95 ERA across 67.1 innings with the Giants and Red Sox. Despite these struggles, Hicks showed promise during a recent bullpen session, boasting a fastball that reached 99.5 mph.
Hicks previously had success as a reliever, and the White Sox plan to utilize him in that role, given his past difficulties as a starting pitcher. The right-hander has expressed enthusiasm about his recovery and readiness to contribute to the team.
David Sandlin
David Sandlin has been on the White Sox’s radar for some time. With only 23.2 Triple-A innings under his belt and a 7.61 ERA from 2025, he faces challenges but offers potential for depth in the team’s rotation.
Getz has suggested that Sandlin will be competing for a spot during Spring Training, indicating the team’s confidence in his abilities despite a lack of extensive experience.
Potential Future Moves
During negotiations with the Red Sox, the White Sox investigated the possibility of including reliever Jordan Leasure in the deal. While this did not come to fruition, it signals that the organization is evaluating all options to enhance their pitching staff.
Leasure had a mixed performance in his MLB career, improving significantly from a 6.32 ERA in 2024 to a 3.92 ERA in 2025. At 27 years old, he retains minor league options and will not be arbitration-eligible until next offseason.
The White Sox’s recent transactions reflect a concerted effort to improve their roster while navigating tight budget constraints. As they continue to build, the impacts of these trades may unfold in the coming season.
