Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher acquired by the Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox have acquired the veteran flamethrower along with pitching prospect David Sandlin from the Boston Red Sox.

It’s a salary-relief move for Boston, but for Chicago, it’s a gamble on pure, unadulterated velocity.

Hicks is coming off a rough 2025 campaign where he posted a combined 6.95 ERA between the Giants and Red Sox, struggling to find the consistency that once made him a bullpen terror.

However, we in Toronto know exactly what "Good Jordan Hicks" looks like, and it’s terrifying for hitters.

During his short stint with the Blue Jays in 2023, Hicks was absolute electricity. After being acquired at the deadline, he pitched to a sparkling 2.63 ERA over 25 appearances, effectively shortening games for a team chasing a playoff spot.

He wasn't just throwing hard; he was painting the corners with a sinker that averaged nearly 100 mph and touched 103 mph.

That specific version of Hicks—the one who bullied hitters with movement and velocity—is the player the White Sox are hoping to unlock.

The deal also includes David Sandlin (Drafted Round 11, 2022 by Kansas City), a 24-year-old arm who has touched 101 mph himself but struggled with a 7.61 ERA in Triple-A last year.

The baseball world is buzzing about the sheer arm talent moving in this deal:

While his 2025 numbers were ugly, the raw tools that made Rogers Centre gasp are still in there somewhere.

For Jays fans, seeing Hicks bounce around reminds us of how valuable a true "fireman" is in the modern game.

We saw him lock down innings with a swagger that screamed "hit this if you can."

If Chicago can fix his mechanics and get his confidence back, they aren't just getting a reclamation project; they are getting a weapon.

Here’s hoping he finds that 2023 groove again—just not when he faces the Jays.