Overview
- The swap sends Hicks and Sandlin to Chicago for right-hander Gage Ziehl, with multiple outlets reporting cash and players to be named later are included.
- The Red Sox will cover $8 million of Hicks’ remaining commitment, cutting their competitive-balance tax hit by about $8 million per year and clearing two 40-man roster spots.
- Chicago is taking on the bulk of Hicks’ salary to acquire Sandlin, a power-armed starter candidate who reached Triple-A in 2025.
- Hicks struggled last season with a 6.95 ERA overall and an 8.20 mark in 21 games after his midyear move to Boston from San Francisco.
- The deal further reduces Boston’s returns from last year’s Rafael Devers trade, and the White Sox designated Jairo Iriarte and Drew Romo to make roster room.