White Sox Make Progress: Two Key Moves Improve Team Outlook

Chicago White Sox’s Smart Weekend Deals: A Prudent Rebuild Strategy Unpacked

This past weekend, the Chicago White Sox made a string of calculated moves. They brought in veteran outfielder Austin Hays and picked up pitchers Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin from the Boston Red Sox.

These transactions aren’t exactly headline-grabbers, but they point to a clear direction for the team. It’s about small, steady roster upgrades, taking chances on bounce-back players, and adding pitching without gutting the farm system.

Honestly, it’s kind of fascinating to watch a team thread the needle between competing now and planning for later.

Hays and Hicks: Immediate Impact and Calculated Risks

The White Sox’s approach this offseason feels like a careful blend of addressing current needs and keeping future options open. Austin Hays and Jordan Hicks really showcase that vibe.

Austin Hays: A Reliable Bat and Defensive Upgrade

Signing Austin Hays might not light up the sports blogs, but it’s a sensible move for the South Siders. Hays, now 30, has proven himself in the outfield with a steady offensive line of .260/.311/.433 over five seasons.

He’s also a defensive upgrade over guys like Leury García. Hays brings a 15-homer bat and can handle a platoon role, so he’s a legit boost to the lineup right away.

There’s some cleverness here, too. If Hays gets hot in the first half, the Sox could flip him at the deadline for prospects or other assets. That kind of flexibility is always handy for a team in transition.

Jordan Hicks: High-Upside Arm, Low-Cost Gamble

Adding Jordan Hicks is a classic low-cost, high-reward swing. Hicks throws hard—he can touch 100 mph—but his velocity and results have been all over the place since a failed starter experiment and a shoulder issue.

The Red Sox are paying a big chunk of his contract (about $8 million), so Chicago only owes him around $17 million over two years. For a team with a projected $86 million payroll, that’s a manageable risk.

There’s real upside here. As recently as 2023, Hicks looked like a top-tier setup man who could stifle contact. If the White Sox pitching staff helps him rediscover that form, he could become a key bullpen piece. If not, his contract is still tradable, so there’s a safety net built in. It’s a gamble, sure, but one with a pretty decent ceiling.

David Sandlin: The Future of the Mound

While Hays and Hicks fill more immediate holes, the trade for David Sandlin is all about the long game. It’s a move that shows the Sox still care about building from within and stocking up on future arms.

Unlocking Sandlin’s Potential

David Sandlin might be the most interesting piece they picked up this weekend. He’s a righty some call a “hard-throwing 2025 breakout,” logging 106 innings with mid-90s heat and a couple of sharp breaking balls.

He’s got that starter’s durability and, maybe more importantly, can throw strikes—a trait every team wants. Of course, he’s not a finished product. Sandlin has some platoon splits and doesn’t use his offspeed stuff much.

Still, that profile gives the Sox options. He could develop into a solid fourth starter or maybe a high-leverage reliever down the line. The White Sox got Sandlin’s upside for a pretty modest price, just sending out Gage Ziehl and a player to be named later. It’s a classic case of buying low on pitching depth without sacrificing much from an already thin farm system.

Pragmatic Rebuild: A New Era on the South Side?

The White Sox front office seems to be leaning into a pragmatic rebuild approach lately. You can see it in the moves they’ve made:

• They’re trying to upgrade the roster bit by bit, mostly with reliable players—even if they’re not exactly headline-makers.
• They’ll take a shot on reclamation projects with upside, like Hicks. It’s a gamble, but the price is right.
• They’re adding pitching depth that’s almost MLB-ready, hoping for some long-term payoff, all while holding onto their future assets.

Maybe it’s not the most exciting way to build a contender, but there’s something to be said for patience and smart acquisitions. Looks like the Sox are betting on steady progress over risky splashes.

 
Here is the source article for this story: White Sox Take Two Steps Toward Stinking Less