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BOSTON, February 26, 2024 – The Boston Red Sox strategically reshaped their bullpen on Sunday, trading right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks to the Chicago White Sox in a move designed to create financial flexibility.
Red Sox Trim Payroll in Deal with Chicago
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The transaction sends Hicks, a pitching prospect, and additional players to the White Sox in exchange for a young arm and future considerations.
- The Red Sox shed salary, sending Hicks and prospects to Chicago.
- Chicago receives Hicks and aims for a bullpen boost.
- Boston also sent $8 million to the White Sox as part of the deal.
- The White Sox previously cleared payroll in a separate trade with the Mets.
The Red Sox shipped Hicks, right-handed pitching prospect David Sandlin, and two players to be named later to the White Sox. in return, boston received right-handed pitcher Gage Ziehl and a player to be named later, as first reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com and Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Financial Implications for Both Teams
The deal isn’t just about players; it’s about dollars. According to reports, the Red Sox are also sending $8 million to Chicago to offset Hicks’ contract, which still has $24 million attached over the next two seasons.Boston effectively clears $8 million in payroll each of the next two years, a significant move for a team navigating financial constraints.
The White Sox, meanwhile, are absorbing Hicks’ contract, but they received some financial assistance. ESPN noted that the White Sox agreed to pay $17 million of the remaining money owed to Hicks, thanks to the inclusion of Sandlin in the trade. This flexibility was bolstered by a previous trade last month that sent outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets, freeing up $20 million in payroll.
hicks’ Recent Performance and Chicago’s Offseason Moves
Chicago has been active this offseason, recently signing closer Seranthony Dominguez to a two-year, $20 million contract and outfielder Austin Hays to a one-year, $6 million deal. Adding Hicks further strengthens their roster.
Hicks, a seven-year veteran, arrived in Boston last June via a trade from the San Francisco Giants. In 21 appearances for the Red Sox, he posted a 1-2 record with an 8.20 ERA and 15 strikeouts across 18.2 innings. Passan reported that since signing a four-year, $44 million deal with the Giants before the 2024 season, Hicks has struggled, recording a 5.19 ERA with opponents hitting .277/.364/.425 against him.
Looking Ahead for Both Clubs
The White Sox are hoping for a resurgence from Hicks, believing a change of scenery could unlock his potential. The addition of Sandlin also provides them with a promising young arm who could compete for a rotation spot this season. For Boston, the trade represents a calculated step toward
