The Philadelphia Phillies kicked off 2025 with a clever and strategic roster move. On Wednesday, they traded left-handed pitcher to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league right-hander Aaron Combs. Gilbert, who was drafted by the Phillies in 2016, was reacquired from the Cincinnati Reds for cash last May. However, after being designated for assignment on December 22, he was traded. Combs, a former standout at the University of Tennessee, was selected by the White Sox in the eighth round of last year’s amateur draft.
Combs, 23, is known for his devastating curveball, with A to Z Sports’ Craig Smith praising his pitch as “disgusting.” He made six appearances for the White Sox’s Single-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in late 2024, posting a 2.35 ERA in 7 2/3 innings, with 13 strikeouts and four walks. Combs had an impressive college career, including recording the final out of the 2024 College World Series and closing the SEC tournament. Over two years at Tennessee, he went 7-1 with a 3.24 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings.
Gilbert, after being acquired from the Reds, spent most of 2024 with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where he posted a 2.25 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 40 innings. He made his major league debut for the Phillies in August, followed by another stint in September, finishing the season with a 3.24 ERA over 8 1/3 innings. The White Sox added Gilbert to their 40-man roster, looking to improve their left-handed pitching depth. This trade appears to be a smart move for the Phillies, as they flipped a recently DFA’d pitcher for a promising minor league talent in Combs.
Leave a Reply