Red Sox Pursue Infielder, Potential Impact of Trading Jordan Hicks
The Boston Red Sox are actively pursuing an infielder to bolster their lineup. Recently, they created room on both their salary and roster by trading reliever Jordan Hicks to the Chicago White Sox.
Trade Details: Red Sox and White Sox Deal
In a significant move, the Red Sox exchanged Hicks, minor-league pitcher David Sandlin, cash, and two unspecified players for pitching prospect Gage Ziehl and a player to be named later. As part of the arrangement, Boston committed to paying $8 million of Hicks’ remaining $24 million over the next two seasons.
This trade resulted in two openings on the Red Sox’s 40-man roster. The $8 million reimbursement will be deducted from Hicks’ salary, reflecting $4 million for each of the next two seasons. Consequently, Boston’s 2026 payroll for luxury tax calculations is projected to be approximately $258 million, which is $6 million under the second tier threshold of $264 million.
Jordan Hicks’ Performance
During his time with Boston, Hicks struggled significantly on the mound. He posted an 8.20 ERA and issued 12 walks over 18 2/3 innings, hampered by injuries that curtailed his season early. Due to his high salary and underperformance, he was a prime candidate for trade discussions prior to this deal.
Implications for Future Trades
With Hicks on the move, the Red Sox have increased their chances of acquiring a key infielder. They have shown interest in several players, including Gold Glove winner Nico Hoerner from the Chicago Cubs and young prospect Matt Shaw, who demonstrated strong defensive abilities at third base. Hoerner, making $12 million in 2026, is approaching free agency, while Shaw is under team control for six more seasons at a significantly lower salary of $780,000.
Potential Targets
- Nico Hoerner: Top defensive performer potentially available.
- Matt Shaw: A promising prospect under team control.
- Ketel Marte: A three-time All-Star who fits Boston’s needs, though previously deemed untouchable.
- Brendan Donovan: Another All-Star target, albeit with a high asking price from the Cardinals.
Strengthening the Infield
At a recent press conference, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow emphasized the team’s need for a durable and skilled defensive infielder. Following this recent trade, Boston appears poised to engage in further negotiations to enhance their roster.
By creating additional flexibility in both roster space and payroll, the Red Sox are not only refining their current lineup but are also strategically positioning themselves for upcoming opportunities in the trade market.
