White Sox trade acquisition is leading MLB’s hottest bullpen

Imagn Images

White Sox trade acquisition is leading MLB’s hottest bullpen

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Tyler Koerth | Last updated Jul 24, 2026 11:20 AM ET

In February, the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox agreed to a trade that sent pitchers David Sandlin and Jordan Hicks to Chicago and Gage Ziehl to Boston. Hicks, who has been both a starter and reliever throughout his career, has strictly been a bullpen arm under Will Venable this year, but his season did not start off all that strong.

Before landing on the injured list with a lat strain at the end of May, Hicks owned a 5.60 ERA. Since returning on June 21, he has been virtually untouchable, not allowing an earned run across 11 appearances. During that span, Hicks has logged 10.2 innings, struck out 18 batters, posted a 0.47 WHIP, and held opponents to a .093 batting average, lowering his season ERA to a better looking 3.49.

Coincident or not, the White Sox bullpen has been equally as dominant as a unit over the last month, ranking among the leagues best in several pitching categories.

Jordan Hicks return from injury is fueling the Chicago White Sox bullpen, which since has been among the best relief corps in the league

Jul 22, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Jordan Hicks (44) comes on to pitch during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

Since June 23, just two days after Hicks returned to the White Sox bullpen, Chicago’s relief corps has been one of the most dominant units in baseball. Entering play on July 23, White Sox relievers ranked first in the majors with 119 strikeouts during that span while also placing second in ERA (2.21), opponent batting average (.194), opponent slugging percentage (.293), and innings pitched (105.2).

Hicks hasn’t been the only reliever driving the White Sox’s bullpen surge. While he has yet to allow an earned run since returning from the injured list, Grant Taylor has continued his dominant rookie campaign, striking out 17 batters over 13 innings while recording three saves during the past month.

Bryan Hudson has also maintained his breakout season with a 1.42 ERA over that span, while Sean Newcomb (2.55 ERA), Chris Murphy (2.89 ERA), and Trevor Richards (3.55 ERA) have all provided valuable contributions. Together, the group has helped transform Chicago’s bullpen into one of the most dominant units in baseball.

That said, the White Sox’s bullpen still owns a respectable 3.89 ERA on the season, which ranks 12th in Major League Baseball. With the trade deadline approaching, the club could still look to add another arm or two, a move that would only strengthen a relief corps that has been firing on all cylinders over the past month.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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