The Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox made a trade on Sunday that included three pitchers, cash and three players to be named later (PTBNL). Chicago received hard-throwing right-hander Jordan Hicks in the deal, along with minor league pitcher David Sandlin, cash and two PTBNL. Going to Boston is minor league pitcher Gage Ziehl and a PTBNL.
This deal was one of several transactions this offseason that projects to make Chicago more competitive in 2026 after three straight 100-loss seasons. To make room on their 40-man roster for both Hicks and Sandlin, the White Sox were forced to designate two players for assignment: right-handed pitcher Jairo Iriarte and catcher Drew Romo.
To make room for Hicks and Sandlin on the 40-man roster, the White Sox designated right-hander Jairo Iriarte and catcher Drew Romo for assignment.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 1, 2026
Iriarte, a former international signing of the San Diego Padres in 2018, was once a highly-touted prospect. Ranked No. 8 in San Diego’s system, the Venezuelan right-hander struggled to find success in the minor leagues before being traded to Chicago in the Dylan Cease deal in 2024. Now available on the waiver wire, he could have a potential path back to San Diego if his former club puts in a claim or attempts to jump the line and offer a trade.
“Iriarte was the Padres No. 8 prospect when they sent him to Chicago in the Dylan Cease trade,” Darnay Tripp of NBC 7 San Diego wrote on X. “Struggled last year. Would seem like a strong candidate to join the crop of low cost pitchers the Padres have added this offseason.”
Jairo Iriarte’s MiLB Struggles, Brief MLB Stint
In 132 minor league appearances, Iriarte owns a 4.87 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. These numbers have not been good enough to warrant much time in the big leagues, as his one MLB stint was just six games with Chicago in 2024.
While it was very brief, Iriarte did perform well in his lone big league opportunity, posting a 1.50 ERA and striking out six batters in as many innings pitched. He did also issue eight walks in those six innings, showing the same command issues that have plagued him throughout his career as a professional.
© Matt Marton-Imagn Images
As has been noted, a return to San Diego for Iriarte would not be inconsistent with how the Padres have been operating. The team has added several arms this offseason to bolster its organizational pitching depth. Finishing 90-72 last season, the Padres will have to wait their turn on the waiver wire, but finding a way to reunite with a former top prospect — who is still just 24 years old, wouldn’t be a bad move.
San Diego will open its 2026 season against the Detroit Tigers on March 26 at Petco Park. Spring Training action begins Feb. 20 against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona.
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