The New York Mets have bolstered their farm system with the acquisition of standout pitching prospect from the Chicago White Sox. Known for his devastating slider and college dominance, the 22-year-old right-hander is poised to make waves within the Mets organization.
The Deal
In a savvy move, the Mets traded infielder prospect Luis Ramirez and cash considerations to the White Sox in exchange for Combs. While Ramirez has shown promise at the plate, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns emphasized the organization’s focus on developing young pitching talent. “Aaron is an exciting addition to our system. He’s a competitor with the tools to thrive at the next level,” Stearns said.
Aaron Combs first gained national attention during his time at Vanderbilt University, where he was a key part of their powerhouse pitching staff. In his junior season, Combs posted a 1.98 ERA with 120 strikeouts in 91 innings, earning him the nickname “Nasty Combs” for his ability to dominate hitters. His fastball consistently clocks in the mid-90s, and his sharp-breaking slider has been described as a major league-ready pitch.
Combs spent the 2024 season with the White Sox’s Double-A affiliate, where he continued to impress. In 25 appearances, including 18 starts, he recorded a 3.12 ERA, struck out 117 batters, and held opposing hitters to a .205 batting average. Scouts have praised his poise on the mound and ability to adjust to higher levels of competition.
The Mets believe Combs has the potential to reach the big leagues within the next two seasons. “He’s got the arsenal and mindset to be a key contributor,” Mets pitching coordinator Jeremy Hefner said. “We’re excited to see how he develops in our system.”
Mets fans have quickly embraced the news, taking to social media to welcome Combs. Many view him as a future rotation piece or a high-leverage bullpen arm. His arrival adds depth to a pitching pipeline that has become a focal point for the organization’s long-term plans.
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