Red Sox to Pay $4 Million for Jordan Hicks in 2027

The Boston Red Sox remain financially obligated to Jordan Hicks for the 2027 season due to a prior trade agreement.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Baseball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a Boston Red Sox pitcher's arm in motion, rendered in navy, red, and white. — The Boston Red Sox are set to pay pitcher Jordan Hicks $4 million in 2027 following a 2026 trade with Chicago. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Boston Red Sox are scheduled to pay Jordan Hicks $4 million in 2027 as part of a 2026 trade agreement with the Chicago White Sox. This payment stems from a $8 million total cash commitment included in the deal to offload the pitcher's contract.

Why it matters

The $8 million cash commitment allowed the Red Sox to clear salary space and maintain their position under the second luxury-tax threshold. By paying a portion of the salary while the player performs for another team, the club balanced its immediate financial flexibility against long-term payroll constraints.

Jordan Hicks signed a four-year, $44 million contract in 2024 featuring a $12 million annual salary through 2027. Chicago absorbed $16 million of the $24 million remaining on the deal at the time of the 2026 trade.

The players

Jordan Hicks

Jordan Hicks is a professional baseball pitcher who signed a multi-year contract in 2024.

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston that competes in Major League Baseball.

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox are a professional baseball team based in Chicago that competes in Major League Baseball.

The details

The February 1, 2026, trade sent Jordan Hicks to Chicago after he recorded an 8.20 ERA in 21 relief appearances for Boston in 2025. Following the move, Hicks improved his performance, posting a 3.94 ERA across 53 games for the White Sox during the 2026 season.

Jordan Hicks signed his four-year, $44 million contract in January 2024.
Hicks joined the Boston Red Sox via trade on June 15, 2025.
The Red Sox traded Jordan Hicks to the Chicago White Sox on February 1, 2026.
Hicks competed for the Chicago White Sox throughout the 2026 season.
Boston is obligated to pay the final $4 million installment to Hicks in 2027.

Season Trajectory

This transaction highlights how teams utilize cash considerations to navigate the constraints of the MLB luxury-tax threshold. By shifting salary obligations, the organization balances its ability to compete in the current market while managing long-term payroll flexibility.

The $4 million payment confirms that the Red Sox carry a dead-money obligation on their 2027 books for a player no longer on the active roster. This financial commitment reduces the total funds available for the team to pursue free agents or contract extensions during the 2027 cycle.

The takeaway

Front offices frequently use cash-neutral trades to comply with luxury tax rules while moving past underperforming acquisitions. Fans should monitor these long-term financial commitments, as they directly impact the team's capacity to add new talent in future offseasons.