We all cheered when Mathias Lacombe was selected by the MLB’s White Sox in 2024. As we kick off 2025, we caught up with Mathias to check in and understand his outlook better.
BTVF: It’s been over a year since you joined the White Sox staff. Can you summarize the different stages you’ve gone through during this period?
M.C.: Well, first of all, I arrived at the Spring Training complex in July 2023, right after being drafted to sign my contract. I then trained until the end of the season. I resumed in February 2024 for Spring Training (pre-season). Unfortunately, I tore my latissimus dorsi (muscle attached to the shoulder) on the eve of my first game and therefore couldn’t play in the 2024 season. I did rehab throughout the season before heading back to France for the Christmas period. I’m now back in shape and fully recovered from my injury, at the Spring Training complex in Phoenix to continue strengthening my shoulder and preparing for the 2025 season.
BTVF: Did this forced break allow you to better understand the franchise’s organization? Can you describe your mindset today?
M.C.: This year was far from a lost year. Sure, I stayed off the field, but I learned a lot about my body and how it works, my training routine, my workout intensity, my shoulder strengthening routine. I also strengthened my mental game against injuries, knowing it’s temporary and focusing on the future and being patient. All these elements are the building blocks of my career and allow me to build on them now.
BTVF: 2025 is here. What’s your schedule before Opening Day?
M.C.: During Spring Training, I’m preparing for the season. The first month (February) is focused on personal physical prep. So, I go to the complex every day for 1 hour of shoulder rehab, relaxation, recovery, etc., 1 hour of weightlifting (lower body/upper body alternated), running for recovery and cardio, and of course, I have my pitching program with bullpen sessions and soon live At Bats where I’ll face my first hitters. The second month, we add meetings on mental and physical health, strategic meetings on game systems, team practices, and friendly matches. These two months are super intense since we have no days off, so even on Sundays, we always have training. All this to prepare for the season that starts on April 1st.
BTVF: Can you explain which league you’ll be playing in, the format, the team, the level…?
M.C.: For now, I still don’t know which league I’ll be playing in this season. All that is decided during Spring Training, and all players are informed three days before the season starts. They post lists in the locker room with the names of the players going to the different levels (A, A+, AA, AAA).
BTVF: What are your personal goals for this season?
M.C.: My goals for the season are first and foremost to stay healthy and avoid injuries. Then, I’d like to pitch at least 60 innings and finish the season in A+, meaning that no matter where I start, I can move up and change divisions at any point in the season depending on my level. My goal is to give myself the means to progress through the leagues to get closer, over the next few years, to the MLB.
