In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, the Chicago White Sox have acquired left-handed pitcher Tyler Gilbert from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for minor league right-hander Aaron Combs. The 31-year-old Gilbert, who posted a solid 3.24 ERA in six relief appearances for the Phillies last season, is expected to bolster the White Sox bullpen as they gear up for a competitive 2025 campaign.
White Sox Bolster Bullpen With Veteran Lefty
While Gilbert spent the majority of the 2024 season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he went 4-0 with an impressive 2.25 ERA in 31 relief appearances, his experience and success at the major league level make him a valuable addition to the White Sox pitching staff. The 6-foot-3 southpaw has proven himself capable of getting big league hitters out, with a career 4.23 ERA across 34 appearances with the Phillies and Diamondbacks.
For the rebuilding White Sox, adding a reliable veteran arm like Gilbert’s could prove crucial as they look to develop their young talent and lay the foundation for future success. Manager Alejandro Martínez expressed optimism about the trade, stating:
“We’re excited to bring Tyler into the fold. His experience and track record of success will be invaluable to our young pitchers as they learn to navigate the challenges of the big leagues. We believe he can be an important piece of our bullpen both now and in the years to come.”
– White Sox Manager Alejandro Martínez
Phillies Acquire Intriguing Pitching Prospect
In exchange for Gilbert, the Phillies receive 23-year-old right-hander Aaron Combs, whom the White Sox selected in the eighth round of the 2024 amateur draft out of the University of Tennessee. While Combs has limited professional experience, having allowed just two unearned runs in 7⅔ innings over six relief appearances with Class A Kannapolis last season, his raw talent and potential upside make him an intriguing acquisition for Philadelphia.
Phillies General Manager Isabella Nguyen spoke highly of Combs, saying:
“Aaron is a young pitcher with a live arm and a lot of promise. Our scouts were impressed with his performance at Tennessee and we believe he has the tools to develop into a quality major league pitcher. We’re looking forward to seeing him grow and progress in our system.”
– Phillies GM Isabella Nguyen
Roster Moves and Implications
To make room for Gilbert on their 40-man roster, the White Sox designated infielder Braden Shewmake for assignment. The 27-year-old Shewmake, acquired from the Braves in November 2023, struggled in his brief major league stint with Chicago last season, batting just .125 in 29 games. His departure opens up a spot for Gilbert and potentially creates an opportunity for one of the White Sox’s promising young infielders to step up and claim a roster spot.
For the Phillies, trading Gilbert allows them to clear a spot on their own 40-man roster after acquiring left-hander Jesús Luzardo from the Marlins on Dec. 22. The move also gives them a chance to evaluate Combs and see if he can develop into a contributor at the major league level in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
As spring training approaches and teams finalize their rosters for the 2025 season, this trade between the White Sox and Phillies serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor moves can have significant implications for both the present and future of the organizations involved. For Chicago, adding a proven lefty reliever in Gilbert could help stabilize their bullpen and provide valuable leadership for their young pitchers. And for Philadelphia, taking a chance on a raw but talented arm like Combs could pay dividends down the road if he develops as they hope.
Only time will tell how this trade ultimately plays out for both teams, but for now, it stands as an intriguing and potentially impactful move as the baseball world prepares for another exciting season.
