The White Sox have made another significant move, acquiring right-handers Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin, along with $8MM in cash, for pitching prospect Gage Ziehl and a player to be named later. This comes on the heels of their previous two notable transactions in four days, where they signed Seranthony Dominguez and Austin Hays to free agent contracts. With a payroll flexibility of $12MM for Hicks in 2026, $6MM guarantee for Hays in a one-year deal, and $8MM for Dominguez in the first season of his two-year contract, the White Sox are investing a total of $26MM in this trio for the upcoming season. But here's where it gets controversial: White Sox GM Chris Getz's comment that 'adding a Sandlin is essentially part of a Luis Robert return' has raised eyebrows. With the team's current payroll at a modest $85.5MM, it's unclear if they can support a payroll that includes Robert, Dominguez, Hays, and Hicks without exceeding $105MM. This has led to speculation that owner Jerry Reinsdorf may be imposing strict budget restrictions. Nevertheless, David Sandlin, a hard-throwing right-hander, is expected to compete for a spot in the team's rotation during Spring Training. Despite his limited experience, with only 23 2/3 Triple-A innings, and a 7.61 ERA during a brief stint with Triple-A Worcester in 2025, he could be an option to join the staff later in the season. Jordan Hicks, on the other hand, brings some experience to the pitching staff, though he's a pure rebound candidate. With a 6.95 ERA across 67 1/3 innings with the Giants and Red Sox in 2025, he struggled with subpar strikeout and walk rates. However, he has recovered well from toe inflammation and tendinitis in his throwing shoulder, and is ready to contribute as a relief pitcher for the White Sox.
