Earlier this season, the Boston Red Sox signed former Athletics reliever Austin Adams, marking their first acquisition of an ex-A’s bullpen arm. Now, they’ve added another with a minor-league deal for left-hander Sean Newcomb, which includes an invitation to spring training.
Newcomb has had quite a journey in his career. Drafted 15th overall by the Los Angeles Angels in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft, he was traded just over a year later to the Atlanta Braves as part of the deal that brought shortstop Andrelton Simmons to the Angels.
He debuted with the Braves in 2017 and remained with the team for several years, earning a World Series ring in 2021. However, Newcomb was designated for assignment in April 2022 and picked up by the Chicago Cubs. After electing free agency at the end of that season, he signed with the San Francisco Giants, who traded him to the Oakland Athletics in August 2023.
Newcomb’s tenure with the A’s started strong. In late August, he didn’t allow a hit across his first 4 2/3 innings over three outings. Although he surrendered his first hit and run in early September against the Angels, he followed that with another impressive stretch, throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings in two appearances—one as a starter—while giving up just two hits, walking two, and striking out seven.
It seemed like Newcomb could become a valuable piece for the A’s during their rebuild. However, his next outing saw him struggle, allowing five hits, four earned runs, and three walks over three innings. Shortly after, he was placed on the injured list with a sprained left knee and missed the remainder of the season.
In the offseason, Newcomb underwent surgery on both knees, sidelining him until June 4 of the 2024 season. He appeared in just seven games, logging 10 innings with a 6.30 ERA before the A’s designated him for assignment.
Despite his limited appearances, Newcomb made a memorable mark. In one outing against Minnesota, he entered with two outs in the eighth inning and runners on the corners. After throwing two pitches, he picked off the runner at first base. The A’s rallied to win the game, and Newcomb—despite not facing a batter—was credited with the win, becoming the first player in A’s history to earn a victory without facing a hitter.
Now with the Red Sox, Newcomb joins four other bullpen arms signed to minor-league deals, including his former teammate Austin Adams, all of whom have spring training invites. As the lone left-hander in the group, he may have an edge for a roster spot, depending on manager Alex Cora’s preferences.
Before his knee injury, Newcomb showed promise as a contributor for Oakland. With more recovery time since his surgeries, Boston will hope he can regain some of his form from 2023.
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