Mena signed with the Chicago White Sox as an international free agent on July 2, 2019.[1] He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] He made his professional debut in 2021 with the rookie–level Arizona Complex League White Sox, logging a 7.82 ERA with 62 strikeouts over 13 games (12 starts).[3]
Mena began the 2022 campaign with the Single–A Kannapolis Intimidators before later being promoted to the High–A Winston-Salem Dash and Double–A Birmingham Barons.[4] In 24 starts split between the three affiliates, he accumulated a 2–6 record and 3.80 ERA with 126 strikeouts across 104+1⁄3 innings pitched.[5]
Mena split the 2023 season between Birmingham and the Triple–A Charlotte Knights. In 27 total starts, he compiled a cumulative 8–7 record and 4.85 ERA with 156 strikeouts across 133+2⁄3 innings of work.[6] On November 14, 2023, the White Sox added Mena to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[7]
Arizona Diamondbacks
The White Sox traded Mena to the Arizona Diamondbacks on February 3, 2024, in exchange for Dominic Fletcher.[8] He was optioned to the Triple–A Reno Aces to begin the 2024 season.[9] On July 3, Mena was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[10] He made his major league debut the same day against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing four runs on four hits with two strikeouts over three innings.[11] On August 2, it was announced that Mena would likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering a right forearm strain.[12]