Sean William Newcomb is a left-handed Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher known for flashes of potential, a turbulent career, and a recent one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox. From his Baseball Reference career summary to past controversies and his latest team move, here’s everything you need to know in one comprehensive article.
Who Is Sean Newcomb?
Sean Newcomb (born June 12, 1993, in Brockton, Massachusetts) is a left-handed pitcher currently signed with the Chicago White Sox. Drafted 15th overall by the Los Angeles Angels in 2014 out of the University of Hartford, Newcomb made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2017. He’s played for the Braves, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, and now, the White Sox.
Baseball Reference & Career Stats
According to official MLB statistical records, Newcomb has accumulated the following major career metrics:
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Career Record: 30–30
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Earned Run Average (ERA): 4.20
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Strikeouts: 529 in 523.1 innings
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Appearances: 223 games (65 starts)
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WHIP: ~1.45
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2025 Performance: 2–5, 2.73 ERA, 91 strikeouts, 1.35 WHIP over 48 games (including five starts)
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Throws/Bats: Left/Left
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Height/Weight: 6’5”, 255 lbs
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College: Hartford
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Draft: 2014, Rd. 1, No. 15 overall
Over his nine MLB seasons, Newcomb has shown strong strikeout ability (529 Ks) and length as both a starter and reliever, giving teams flexibility in his role.
Career Journey and Trades
Newcomb’s MLB path has seen several team changes and role adjustments:
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Atlanta Braves (2017–2022): Debuted and spent his early career, transitioning between starting and bullpen roles.
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Chicago Cubs (2022): Brief stint after a trade from Atlanta.
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Oakland Athletics & Boston Red Sox (2023–2025): Split time at Oakland and Boston, showing solid relief work — especially after a mid-season trade to the A’s in 2025.
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Chicago White Sox (2025–): Signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract in December 2025, marking his latest MLB chapter.
This new contract reflects both his veteran experience and the White Sox’s need for a versatile left-handed arm.
Racist Tweets Controversy: What Happened?
In 2018, during his time with the Atlanta Braves, old offensive tweets by Newcomb from 2011–2012 resurfaced on social media. The posts contained racial, sexist, and homophobic language he had written as a teenager — years before his MLB career began.
Once the posts were highlighted by fans and the media, Newcomb publicly apologized, calling the remarks “stupid” and stating they did not reflect his character as an adult. MLB also responded by having him undergo diversity and sensitivity training.
While the controversy briefly overshadowed his standout on-field performance (including nearly pitching a no-hitter), Newcomb and his teammates worked to address the issue behind the scenes.
White Sox Signing: What It Means
On December 23, 2025, the Chicago White Sox agreed to a one-year deal with Newcomb valued at $4.5 million, providing left-handed pitching depth as both a starter and reliever. To create roster space, the club designated another left-hander for assignment.
This move reflects Chicago’s offseason strategy to bolster pitching options and leverage Newcomb’s recent performance upswing. The contract structure also allows flexibility for Newcomb to prove himself and potentially secure a longer stay if he excels.
Conclusion
Sean Newcomb’s career is a blend of promise, statistical productivity, public scrutiny, and perseverance. From his early draft days to his MLB tenure spanning several clubs, and a noted social-media controversy he addressed and apologized for, Newcomb continues to evolve as both a player and public figure. His latest chapter with the Chicago White Sox offers a fresh opportunity to contribute meaningfully at the major league level in 2026 and beyond.
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