When the Braves decided to designate Sean Newcomb for assignment, it was likely they were going to lose the former first-round pick for nothing. Instead, they were able to work out a deal with the Cubs, bringing Jesse Chavez back to Atlanta. Chavez wasn’t great in his three appearances for Chicago prior to the trade, but since returning to the Braves, he’s been a critical piece to the bullpen. Over 16 appearances (19.1 innings), the 38-year-old righty has posted a more than respectable 2.79 ERA, and his 1.90 FIP suggests he’s even been the subject of some porous luck.
Meanwhile, Newcomb wasn’t able to land on his feet in Chicago. He made just four appearances for the Cubs, surrendering eight earned runs before he was designated for assignment for the second time this season.
Despite his undeniable talent, Newcomb has failed time and time again to put it together at the major-league level. Because of his arm, he will undoubtedly catch on with another organization, but he’ll probably have to spend some time in the minors for a while before receiving another opportunity in the show. Like most of Braves Country, I’ll be rooting for him, but at 29-years-old, it’s getting to the point where you wonder if he’ll ever be able to figure it out.
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