Sean Newcomb’s Red Sox Newcomer Looks To ‘Take’ Roster Spot After Up-And-Down Journey
The path to Major League Baseball (MLB) can often be a winding one, filled with both triumphs and setbacks. For Sean Newcomb, the left-handed pitcher now aiming to secure a spot on the Boston Red Sox roster, that journey has been as unpredictable as it has been educational. With his career now at a critical juncture, Newcomb is determined to seize an opportunity to contribute to the Red Sox, a team that is looking to bounce back after several seasons of underachievement.
A Rising Star, Then a Fall
Newcomb’s baseball journey began on a promising note. Born in 1993 in Tupelo, Mississippi, Newcomb grew up with a passion for baseball. A standout at the University of Hartford, his impressive college career quickly caught the attention of scouts. In 2014, the Los Angeles Angels selected him as the 15th overall pick in the MLB Draft, a testament to his talent and potential.
Initially, things looked bright for Newcomb. He had a fastball that could reach the mid-90s and a sharp curveball that befuddled hitters. His ability to dominate on the mound, coupled with his imposing 6’5” frame, made him a coveted prospect. The Angels’ farm system was high on him, and Newcomb made steady progress through the minor leagues, building up his experience and refining his craft. By 2017, he was a fixture in the major leagues, making his MLB debut with the Angels.
But as is often the case with highly-touted prospects, the transition to the big leagues proved difficult. Newcomb struggled with consistency early on, and despite flashes of brilliance, he battled control issues. His walk rate was concerning, and while he could generate strikeouts, he often put himself into tough situations by walking too many batters. His ERA fluctuated, and though he showed potential, the growing pains of adjusting to MLB hitters were evident.
Newcomb’s time with the Angels was short-lived, and in 2018, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves, a team in need of pitching depth. It was with the Braves that Newcomb saw his highest highs and lowest lows. In his first full season with Atlanta, he posted a promising 3.90 ERA and showed signs of becoming a reliable starter. However, as time went on, his performance began to dip again. The control issues persisted, and in 2021, Newcomb was moved to the bullpen, a role that provided him with a different set of challenges.
Over the next few seasons, Newcomb’s career seemed to stall. Though his potential was never entirely in question, his inconsistency made him a difficult player for teams to fully trust. Injuries, too, played a role in his up-and-down trajectory, as he dealt with both physical setbacks and the psychological toll that often comes with being in and out of the major league roster. By the time the 2023 season rolled around, Newcomb was a free agent, and his future in MLB appeared uncertain.
A New Opportunity with the Red Sox
In 2024, the Boston Red Sox took a chance on Newcomb, signing him to a minor league deal. The Red Sox were looking for pitching depth, and Newcomb’s potential was too enticing to overlook. Boston, a team that had struggled to find consistent pitching in recent years, seemed like a perfect place for Newcomb to try and recapture the promise that had once made him one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.
Newcomb’s arrival in Boston represented a fresh start—an opportunity to prove that he could finally put everything together. Though the Red Sox had a strong rotation and bullpen, there were still questions about the team’s pitching depth. The club was entering a new phase of its rebuild, and with a few veteran pitchers approaching the latter stages of their careers, Newcomb saw an opening for himself.
It was clear that he was not going to simply be handed a spot on the roster. The competition for pitching spots was fierce, with several players vying for limited opportunities. However, Newcomb knew that if he could show his stuff during spring training, he could make a compelling case to the Red Sox coaching staff. His fastball and curveball remained his calling cards, and he had been working tirelessly to improve his control and command of the strike zone.
The Spring Training Battle
As the 2025 spring training season got underway, Newcomb came into camp with something to prove. He was determined to put his best foot forward and prove that he belonged in a big-league rotation once again. The early signs were promising. His velocity remained strong, and his curveball still had the bite that had earned him so much attention early in his career. He was pounding the strike zone more consistently, a crucial element that had often eluded him in previous years.
Newcomb’s time in spring training would be a test of both his mental and physical readiness. The competition was stiff. The Red Sox had several established pitchers, including Chris Sale and James Paxton, who would be anchoring the rotation. However, the back end of the rotation remained up for grabs, and Newcomb was determined to make his case. In his first few appearances, he demonstrated an ability to stay poised on the mound, showing that his time in the bullpen had taught him to manage difficult situations better.
One of the key things Newcomb worked on in the offseason was his mental approach. With his history of inconsistency, he knew that staying calm and collected in high-pressure situations would be essential. He spent time working with the Red Sox coaching staff to develop a more focused, deliberate approach on the mound—one that would allow him to avoid the walks that had plagued him in the past.
With each passing game, Newcomb’s confidence grew. He began to show glimpses of the potential that had once made him such a promising prospect. His strikeouts started to pile up, and though there were occasional stumbles, he was more composed than ever. The real question, however, would be whether he could continue this level of performance when the regular season began.
Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Season for Newcomb
For Newcomb, 2025 represents a make-or-break year. The Red Sox are in a position where they are actively searching for consistency on the mound. The team has a mix of established veterans and young players, and Newcomb will have to demonstrate that he can be a reliable piece of the puzzle moving forward. While the team’s success will not hinge solely on his performance, Newcomb’s ability to deliver would undoubtedly make a significant difference.
As of now, Newcomb is focused on one thing: securing his spot on the roster. Whether he earns a place in the rotation or works out of the bullpen, Newcomb is prepared to do whatever it takes to contribute to the team’s success. He understands that the margin for error is slim, and that his career may depend on making the most of his opportunities.
For the Red Sox, Newcomb’s story serves as a reminder of how quickly a career can change. A promising young player who had seen his stock fall can rise again with the right environment and the right mindset. For Newcomb, the Boston Red Sox are more than just a team—they represent the last chance to fulfill the potential that so many once saw in him.
In 2025, Sean Newcomb is determined not to let that chance slip away. His journey may have been filled with ups and downs, but the fire to succeed is as strong as ever. If Newcomb can find consistency, he could finally establish himself as a trusted arm in the Red Sox’s pitching staff. And with that, the final chapter in his up-and-down career may just be his most rewarding yet.
