David

Sandlin

González will open the season in the minors after posting a strong 2.66 ERA and 25/12 K/BB ratio across 20 1/3 innings over 16 relief appearances for the White Sox last year. Sandlin was the key piece Chicago acquired for taking on the remainder of Jordan Hicks’ albatross contract from the Red Sox last month.

By taking on around $16 million in salary from Hicks in the trade, the White Sox were able to get a much better prospect in return. Sandlin, 24, made 32 appearances (14 starts) between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester in 2025, compiling a 4.50 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and a 107/40 K/BB ratio across 106 innings of work. He should pitch out of the White Sox’ rotation at some point during the 2026 campaign.

The White Sox will also receive pitching prospect David Sandlin in the trade. No word yet on what’s going back to the Red Sox, but it seems like more of a salary dump on their part than anything else as Hicks is owed $25 million over the next two seasons. The 29-year-old pitcher should find high leverage work at the back end of the White Sox’ bullpen in front of closer Seranthony Dominguez. Hicks posted a 6.95 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and a 58/32 K/BB ratio over 67 1/3 innings between the Giants and Red Sox in 2025.

No real surprises here. Sandlin was a stone-cold lock to be added to Boston’s 40-man roster to shield him from next month’s Rule 5 Draft after recording a 4.50 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 107/40 K/BB ratio across 106 innings over 32 appearances (14 starts) between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester this past season. The 24-year-old righty will undoubtedly have a role in Boston at some point soon. Drohan is also one of the better pitching prospects in the organization but has been limited to just 27 appearances over the past two seasons due to injuries. Uberstine compiled a 3.58 ERA and 137/41 K/BB ratio across 120 2/3 innings over 25 appearances (21 starts) in the upper minors last season.

Sandlin moves up, along with his teammate Connelly Early, after posting a 3.61 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 86/27 K/BB ratio in 82 1/3 innings for Double-A Portland this season. Sandlin came to Boston before the 2024 season in a trade for reliever John Schreiber. The 24-year-old packs a high-velocity fastball that can hit 100 mph, a tight slider, a big-breaking sweeper, and a splitter. He has taken a big step forward this year and is part of an emerging crop of intriguing starting pitchers in Boston’s system.

It’s theoretically a phenomenal long-term gambit by the Red Sox as they add a potential impact starting pitching prospect in exchange for a reliever on the precipice of turning 30 years old. The 22-year-old righty, who was Kansas City’s 11th round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, will likely open the upcoming season at Double-A Portland. He’s likely a few years away, but throws extremely hard and represents a worthwhile dice roll for a Boston front office that is clearly pivoting towards a long-term approach.

Well, that takes Schreiber out of the mix for saves in Boston if they ultimately wind up dealing stopper Kenley Jansen as well. The 29-year-old righty is a solid addition for Kansas City as he’s been one of the more consistent high-leverage arms in the American League over the last two years, compiling a strong 2.90 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 127/44 K/BB ratio across 111 2/3 innings (110 appearances) during that span.