After a blistering start to his major-league career with the Braves, Sean Newcomb fell off a cliff and was eventually traded to the Cubs early last season in exchange for Jesse Chavez. Unfortunately, things didn’t get any better for Newcomb in Chicago. In 17 appearances for the Cubs, Newk recorded an unsightly 9.13 ERA and was eventually designated for assignment. Now, he has a new home, as the San Francisco Giants just signed him to a minor-league deal.
Like most, I thought Newcomb was destined to become a critical part of the Braves rotation for a long time. At the very least, it looked like he would be someone that could be utilized in relief. The talent he possesses is undeniable. Very few players can touch 99 MPH from the left side and then come back with a hard breaking curveball at 78 MPH. However, talent is only half the battle in this league. Newcomb hasn’t been able to harness his control, and he’s paid the price.
The promising news for Sean Newcomb is that the Giants are one of the best organizations in the business at developing pitching. Kevin Gausman was nearly out of the league; then he went to San Francisco, and a couple of years later, he signed a $100 million contract. I’m not sure that will happen with Newcomb, but he couldn’t be in a better place to turn his career around.
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