Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Splitter: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 40

After LaCombe posted a 1.74 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings at Cochise (Ariz.) CC in 2023, he became the second native of France ever drafted when the White Sox took him in the 12th round. Signed away from a Louisiana-Lafayette commitment for fifth-round money ($450,000), he dealt with a shoulder impingement and lat issues and didn't make his pro debut until 2025. He thrived in Rookie ball but battled the strike zone in Single-A.

LaCombe has a pair of bat-missing weapons, beginning with a fastball that parks at 93-95 mph and touches 98 with carry and armside run. He has improved his low-80s slider since turning pro, and it features some of the best sweeping action among Chicago's farmhands. His mid-80s splitter has nice tumble when it's on but lacks consistency.

LaCombe's low arm slot produces wide angle and a low release height, not to mention life on his pitches. It also makes it difficult to stay on top of his secondary offerings, and he struggled in Single-A when he landed his slider and splitter in the zone just 30 percent of the time. He looks like a mid-rotation starter when he's at his best, but he'll also be 24 this season and has pitched just 17 2/3 innings above Rookie ball.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 40

Only the second native of France ever drafted, LaCombe went in the 12th round in 2023 after logging a 1.74 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings at Cochise (Ariz.) CC. The White Sox signed him for $450,000, the equivalent of fifth-round money, to lure him away from a commitment to Louisiana-Lafayette. Lat issues delayed his pro debut until 2025, when he has been one of the best pitchers in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

LaCombe works at 92-95 mph and touches 97 with his fastball, which features carry and armside run. He has improved his secondary pitches since turning pro, missing bats with a sweeping low-80s slider. His changeup has a bit more velocity and some splitter action.

LaCombe creates some deception and life on his pitches with a low arm slot and release height. He pounded the strike zone as a Cochise sophomore and has done so again in the ACL, fueling optimism about his chances of remaining a starter. He's 23 and needs to be tested against better competition, but his first taste of pro ball has been encouraging.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/05/2026	RHP Mathias LaCombe assigned to Chicago White Sox Prospects.
	07/18/2025	RHP Mathias LaCombe assigned to Kannapolis Cannon Ballers from ACL White Sox.
	11/04/2024	ACL White Sox activated RHP Mathias LaCombe from the 60-day injured list.
	07/26/2024	ACL White Sox placed RHP Mathias LaCombe on the 60-day injured list.
	09/25/2023	ACL White Sox activated RHP Mathias LaCombe from the 7-day injured list.
	09/25/2023	ACL White Sox activated RHP Mathias LaCombe from the 7-day injured list.
	08/10/2023	RHP Mathias LaCombe assigned to ACL White Sox.
	07/25/2023	Chicago White Sox signed RHP Mathias LaCombe.
	09/13/2022	RHP Mathias LaCombe and assigned to France.