Jordan Hicks: Everything you need to know

Hicks allowed one walk and struck out one across 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the save Monday against the Marlins. Hicks was tasked with protecting a five-run lead, though he tallied the final out in the eighth inning with the bases loaded. He picked up the save as a result, but he still doesn't figure to compete for the closer role for the time being. In addition to Monday's performance not coming in a conventional save situation, Seranthony Dominguez was likely not available after pitching in both of the previous two days.

The White Sox are acquiring Hicks (shoulder), David Sandlin, two players-to-be-named and cash from the Red Sox on Sunday in exchange for Gage Ziehl and a player-to-be-named, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports. Hicks was shipped from San Francisco to Boston in the Rafael Devers trade last year and is now on the move once again. The right-hander signed a four-year, $44.83 million contract with the Giants in January of 2024 to serve as a starter, and he pitched decently that year with a 4.10 ERA across 109.2 innings. However, he struggled early last year and was shifted to the bullpen, finishing the regular season with a 6.95 ERA over 67.1 frames between the Giants and Red Sox. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Red Sox are covering $8 million of Hicks' salary across the remaining two years of his contract. The 29-year-old missed most of September due to shoulder tendinitis but should be ready for the start of spring training since he was back to throwing before the end of the season.

Hicks (shoulder) has been cleared to play catch, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. Hicks has a chance to make it back from his right shoulder tendinitis before the end of the regular season, but it's far from guaranteed. The hard-throwing righty holds an 8.20 ERA and 15:12 K:BB over 18.2 innings during his time with the Red Sox, putting his role in question even if he does return.