Analyzing Jordan Hicks' Future with the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox have acquired right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks, primarily as a financial asset, allowing the Boston Red Sox to shed $16 million of their $24 million commitment to the veteran through 2027. In exchange, the Red Sox sent over right-handed pitcher David Sandlin, a top 10 prospect in the Chicago system, according to FanGraphs.
Despite the White Sox's ample payroll flexibility, adding Hicks, Austin Hays, and Seranthony Dominguez still projects to place them with the fourth-lowest payroll in the league, at $86 million, consistent with their spending last season.
Hicks' journey to the White Sox has been tumultuous. He struggled with the San Francisco Giants last season and was even worse when he joined the Red Sox as part of the Rafael Devers trade. Early in 2024, he performed well with the Giants as a starter, but his performance has since declined.
Hicks' decline began after a solid first month as a starter, with his fastball losing velocity as innings piled up. He was eventually removed from the rotation and given another shot as a starter this past season, but it went even worse. Hicks has been strictly a reliever since joining the Red Sox.
The White Sox's strategy is clear: Hicks' lone path to big-league viability is as a reliever. General manager Chris Getz emphasized this, stating that the team aims to utilize Hicks in the bullpen, where he can help them get back on track.
Hicks' performance as a reliever has been mixed. He posted a strong 111 Stuff+ in 18 2/3 innings out of the Boston bullpen, with his sinker and slider grading out at 115 and 117, respectively. However, his four-seamer and splitter were used infrequently and graded poorly.
The White Sox have struggled with late-inning relief, with no reliever securing double-digit saves in the past three seasons. Liam Hendriks was the last to achieve this, with 37 saves in 2022. Jordan Leasure led the team with seven saves in 2025, and Grant Taylor and Mike Vasil combined to close out 10 games.
Hicks is expected to get high-leverage spots, and a trade for Dominguez would open the door for a two-month trial as the closer. He will be under contract for $12 million in 2027 and could serve as an affordable stopper next season.
Hicks expressed his readiness to return to a prominent role, hitting 99.5 mph in a recent bullpen session without any soreness the next day. He believes his body is in a good place, and the White Sox are optimistic about his potential.
