Sean William Newcomb (born June 12, 1993) is an American professional

baseball Baseball is a bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball sport played between two team sport, teams of nine players each, taking turns batting (baseball), batting and Fielding (baseball), fielding. The game occurs over the course of several Pitch ...

pitcher In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throws ("Pitch (baseball), pitches") the Baseball (ball), baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of out (baseball), retiring a batter (baseball), batter, ...

for the Athletics of

Major League Baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...

(MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the

Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Eas ...

Chicago Cubs The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The Cubs compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Division. Th ...

Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...

, and

Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...

. He played

college baseball College baseball is baseball that is played by Student athlete, student-athletes at institutions of higher education. In the United States, college baseball is sanctioned mainly by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); in Japan, ...

at the

University of Hartford The University of Hartford (UHart) is a private university in West Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Its main campus extends into neighboring Hartford and Bloomfield. It enrolled approximately 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students as ...

. The

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West Division. Since 1966, the team has pl ...

selected Newcomb in the first round of the

2014 MLB draft The 2014 Major League Baseball draft was held from June 5 through June 7, 2014, to assign amateur baseball players to MLB teams. The first two rounds were conducted on June 5, followed by rounds three through ten on June 6, and the last 30 round ...

, and traded him to the Braves in 2015, for whom he made his MLB debut in 2017.

Amateur career

Newcomb attended

Middleborough High School Middleborough High School is a public high school located in Middleborough, Massachusetts, established in 1873. The school is located at 71 East Grove Street. Middleborough High has an approximate student enrollment of 850 students in grades 9– ...

Middleborough, Massachusetts Middleborough is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 24,405 as of 2023. The census-designated place of Middleborough Center, Massachusetts, Middleborough Center corresponds to the main village and commercia ...

.Alt URL
/ref> As a senior, he had a 0.46

earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the average of earned runs allowed by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e. the traditional length of a game). It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number ...

(ERA) with 110

strikeout In baseball or softball, a strikeout (or strike-out) occurs when a batter accumulates three strikes during a time at bat. It means the batter is out, unless the third strike is not caught by the catcher and the batter reaches first base safe ...

s in 58

innings pitched In baseball, the statistic innings pitched (IP) is the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of Batter (baseball), batters and baserunners that have been put out while the pitcher is on the Baseball field#Pitcher's mou ...

. After high school, Newcomb enrolled at the

. As a freshman for the Hartford Hawks baseball team in 2012, Newcomb started nine games before suffering a season-ending injury. His first college win was a

no-hitter In baseball, a no-hitter or no-hit game is a game in which a team does not record a hit (baseball), hit through conventional methods. Major League Baseball (MLB) officially defines a no-hitter as a completed game in which a team that batted in ...

against

Yale Yale University is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701, Yale is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and one of the nine colonial colleges ch ...

. He finished the year with a 2–4 win–loss record with a 4.17 ERA and 45 strikeouts in innings. As a sophomore in 2013, he started 12 of 13 games, going 5–4 with a 3.75 ERA and 92 strikeouts over 72 innings. In 2012 and 2013, he played

collegiate summer baseball Collegiate summer baseball leagues are amateur baseball leagues in the United States and Canada featuring players who have attended at least one year of college and have at least one year of athletic eligibility remaining. Generally, they operat ...

with the

Wareham Gatemen The Wareham Gatemen are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Wareham, Massachusetts. The team is a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) and plays in the league's West Division. The Gatemen play their home games at Clem Spillane Fie ...

of the

Cape Cod Baseball League The Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL or Cape League) is a collegiate summer baseball wooden bat league located on Cape Cod in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. One of the nation's premier collegiate summer leagues, the league boasts over 1,000 forme ...

. Newcomb started his junior season without allowing a run through his first innings. He finished the year 8–2 with a 1.25 ERA and 106 strikeouts in innings. He was named the 2014 America East Pitcher of the Year, becoming the first Hawk to win a major conference award.

Professional career

Los Angeles Angels

Newcomb was considered a top prospect for the

2014 Major League Baseball draft The 2014 Major League Baseball draft was held from June 5 through June 7, 2014, to assign amateur baseball players to MLB teams. The first two rounds were conducted on June 5, followed by rounds three through ten on June 6, and the last 30 round ...

. He was drafted in the first round, 15th overall, by the

. He signed with the Angels, receiving a $2,518,000

signing bonus A signing bonus or sign-on bonus is a sum of money paid to a new employee (including a professional sports person) by a company as an incentive to join that company. They are often given as a way of making a compensation package more attractive ...

. Newcomb was assigned to the Single–A Burlington Bees and later, in 2015, promoted to the Double–A

Arkansas Travelers The Arkansas Travelers, known informally as The Travs, are a Minor League Baseball team based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The Travelers are the Double-A (baseball), Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and play in the Texas League. Hi ...

, where he ended his first full season in professional baseball; he had a combined 2.38 ERA across 3 levels. Finishing 2nd in minor league baseball with 168 strikeouts.

Atlanta Braves

On November 12, 2015, the Angels traded Newcomb, Erick Aybar, Chris Ellis, and cash considerations to the

for Andrelton Simmons and José Briceño. The Braves invited Newcomb to spring training and he spent the 2016 season with the Double–A

Mississippi Braves The Mississippi Braves, or M-Braves as they were referred to locally, were a Minor League Baseball team based in Pearl, Mississippi, a suburb of Jackson, from 2005 to 2024. They were the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and competed in ...

. While pitching in the Southern League, he posted 4.6 walks per nine innings with a 3.86 ERA. Newcomb was invited to spring training for the second time at the start of the 2017 season. He started the season with the Gwinnett Braves of the Triple–A

International League The International League (IL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the United States. Along with the Pacific Coast League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A level, which is one grade below Major ...

. Newcomb pitched to a 2.97 ERA in innings, alongside 74 strikeouts and 33 walks prior to his first promotion to the major leagues. He made his major league debut on June 10, 2017, for the Braves at

SunTrust Park Truist Park is a baseball stadium in the Atlanta metropolitan area, approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of downtown Atlanta in the unincorporated community of Cumberland, in Cobb County, Georgia. Opened in 2017, it is the ballpark o ...

against the

New York Mets The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National ...

. He pitched innings, allowing four hits and one unearned run with seven strikeouts. For the season, he was 4–9 with a 4.32 ERA. On July 29, 2018, Newcomb took a no-hitter through innings until Chris Taylor singled. The Braves defeated the

Los Angeles Dodgers The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...

4–1. During the 2018 season, Newcomb tallied an ERA of 3.91, but struggled over his final fourteen starts, recording a 5.50 ERA in that span. Newcomb started the Braves' first game at

in 2019. He faced the

, pitching four innings of an 8–0 win. Newcomb completed the seventh inning in his next game against the

Miami Marlins The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League East, East Division. The ...

, but struggled against the

, leading to his demotion to the Gwinnett Stripers on April 14. Newcomb returned to the major league club on May 4, and made several relief appearances. He returned to the starting rotation to face the Philadelphia Philles on June 15, 2019. Newcomb was struck in the head by a batted ball from J. T. Realmuto, and left the game. He was subsequently placed on the seven-day injured list. Newcomb was reactivated on June 25, and faced the

as a reliever that night. Newcomb endured an abysmal 2020 season, registering an 11.20 ERA in 13.2 innings pitched across 4 games, striking out 10. In 2021 with the Braves he was 2–0 with one save and a 4.73 ERA, as in 32 relief appearances he pitched 32.1 innings, walked 27 batters, and struck out 43 batters. The Braves finished with an 88–73 record, clinching the NL East, and eventually won the 2021 World Series, giving the Braves their first title since 1995. Newcomb was

designated for assignment Designated for assignment (DFA) is a contractual term used in Major League Baseball (MLB). A player who is designated for assignment is immediately removed from the team's 40-man roster, after which the team must, within seven days, return the pla ...

by the Braves on April 19, 2022.

Chicago Cubs

On April 20, 2022, Newcomb was traded to the

in exchange for Jesse Chavez and cash considerations. After spending time on the injured list with a left ankle sprain, he was activated on June 13. Newcomb allowed five runs in an inning of work in an 18–4 loss against the

New York Yankees The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Am ...

and was designated for assignment after the game. On June 20, Newcomb was outrighted to the Triple-A

Iowa Cubs The Iowa Cubs are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. They are located in Des Moines, Iowa, and are named for their Major League Baseball (MLB) affiliate. T ...

. On August 4, Newcomb was selected back to the active roster to start the second game of a doubleheader against the

St. Louis Cardinals The St. Louis Cardinals are an American professional baseball team based in St. Louis. The Cardinals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Centra ...

. On September 17, Newcomb was once again designated for assignment by the Cubs. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple–A Iowa on September 19. He elected free agency on October 6.

San Francisco Giants

On February 6, 2023, Newcomb signed a minor league contract with the

San Francisco Giants The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...

organization. In 20 appearances split between the Single–A San Jose Giants and Triple–A

Sacramento River Cats The Sacramento River Cats are a Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and are the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Prior to 2015, the River Cats were the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland ...

, he registered a cumulative 3.15 ERA with 45 strikeouts in innings pitched.

Oakland Athletics

On August 22, 2023, Newcomb was traded to the

in exchange for Trenton Brooks. The next day, Oakland selected Newcomb's contract, adding him to the major league roster. After posting a 3.00 ERA across 7 appearances for Oakland, Newcomb was placed on the injured list with a sprained left knee on September 17. On September 20, it was announced that Newcomb had undergone left knee

lateral meniscus The lateral meniscus (external semilunar fibrocartilage) is a fibrocartilaginous band that spans the lateral side of the interior of the knee joint. It is one of two menisci of the knee, the other being the medial meniscus. It is nearly circular ...

surgery, ending his season; he was transferred to the 60-day injured list the same day. On November 2, 2023, Newcomb signed a one–year, $1 million contract extension with the Athletics. On December 20, Newcomb underwent an

arthroscopic Arthroscopy (also called arthroscopic or keyhole surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage is performed using an arthroscope, an endoscope that is inserted into the j ...

surgery on his right

knee In humans and other primates, the knee joins the thigh with the leg and consists of two joints: one between the femur and tibia (tibiofemoral joint), and one between the femur and patella (patellofemoral joint). It is the largest joint in the hu ...

, with the procedure projected to have him ready for game action by spring training. He was placed on the 60-day injured list to begin the 2024 season after getting behind schedule in his recovery process. Newcomb was activated from the injured list on June 4, 2024. On June 21, Newcomb became the first pitcher in Athletics' history to earn a win without officially facing a batter. With the A's trailing the

Minnesota Twins The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis. The Twins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The team is named afte ...

5–4 in the eighth inning, Newcomb entered in relief of Lucas Erceg with a runner on first and two outs. Newcomb picked off Austin Martin at first to end the inning; Oakland eventually took the lead later in the inning and won the game 6–5. In 7 games, he struggled to a 6.30 ERA with 7 strikeouts across 10 innings of work. Newcomb was designated for assignment by Oakland on July 2. He was released by the organization on July 5.

Boston Red Sox

On January 14, 2025, Newcomb signed a minor league contract with the

. On March 27, the Red Sox selected Newcomb's contract after he made the team's

Opening Day Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball (MLB) and most of the American minor leagues, this day typically falls during the first week of April, although in recent year ...

roster. Newcomb entered the year as the fifth starter, mainly due to injuries to other Red Sox pitchers. He pitched four innings and gave up four runs on eight hits in his first start of the season, against the

Baltimore Orioles The Baltimore Orioles (also known as the O's) are an American professional baseball team based in Baltimore. The Orioles compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. As one of the America ...

. Once the Red Sox rotation began to heal, Newcomb moved to the bullpen, serving mainly in the long relief role. In 11 appearances (5 starts) for Boston, he posted an 0–4 record and 3.83 ERA with 41 strikeouts over 40 innings of work. On May 24, Newcomb was designated for assignment by the Red Sox.

Athletics

On May 27, 2025, Newcomb was traded to the Athletics in exchange for cash considerations.

Personal

Newcomb was a fan of the

growing up.

References

External links

* *
Hartford Hawks bio
{{DEFAULTSORT:Newcomb, Sean 1993 births Living people Arizona Complex League Athletics players Arizona League Angels players Arkansas Travelers players Athletics (baseball) players Atlanta Braves players Baseball players from Plymouth County, Massachusetts Boston Red Sox players Burlington Bees players Chicago Cubs players Gwinnett Braves players Gwinnett Stripers players Hartford Hawks baseball players Inland Empire 66ers players Las Vegas Aviators players Major League Baseball pitchers Mississippi Braves players Oakland Athletics players People from Middleborough, Massachusetts Sacramento River Cats players San Jose Giants players Wareham Gatemen players