The 2025 season had held promise for journeyman pitcher Sean Newcomb, a Massachusetts native whose career has seen its ups and downs. Drafted in the first round by the Braves in 2014, Newcomb showed early potential as a starter, winning 12 games as a rookie in 2017. But injuries and inconsistency led him to bounce between several teams, including the Cubs and Athletics.
Earlier this year, Newcomb signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox and impressed during spring training, earning a spot on the Opening Day roster. For the local product—born in Brockton, a Middleborough High graduate, and a former University of Hartford standout it was a dream come true. “Coming into camp being non-roster, I kind of had to grind to get here,” he told the Boston Herald in April. “It’s just kind of surreal.”
But on Saturday, that dream was put on hold. Just hours after throwing one inning of relief against the Orioles in the first game of a doubleheader, the Red Sox designated Newcomb for assignment. The move was part of a roster shuffle that brought up reliever Luis Guerrero from Triple-A Worcester.
Newcomb hadn’t been ineffective posting a 3.95 ERA despite an 0-4 record—but with Boston’s starting rotation struggling to go deep into games, the bullpen had been overworked. In the past two weeks, only Garrett Crochet had made it past the fifth inning, forcing the team to lean heavily on its relievers. The doubleheader intensified that need, and Newcomb was the odd man out.
The Red Sox may re-sign him to Worcester if he clears waivers, but his experience and flexibility could make him a target for other clubs.
Losing the chance to pitch for his hometown team is bittersweet for Newcomb, who grew up watching games at Fenway Park. “Each season I’d probably come over to Fenway anywhere from five to ten times,” he recalled. “I remember my first game was on an Easter Sunday. I was probably five, seeing Mo Vaughn out there.
