Former Atlanta Braves starter and reliever Sean Newcomb has had an uninspiring career since leaving the franchise. Newcomb has spent time with the Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox, with the most productive of these innings coming in a relief role. This includes a 2025 season where the veteran split time with the A's and Red Sox, going 2-5 with a 2.73 ERA, 91 strikeouts, and two saves across 92 1/3 innings in 48 games (five starts).
Braves fans will remember that this was the role where the lefty began to succeed in Atlanta. Newcomb helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series in a relief role and has now built on this resume with solid tenures with the Red Sox and Athletics. That's why it's interesting to learn that Newcomb is reportedly being targeted as a starter and reliever in free agency, per The Athletic's Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, and Katie Woo.
Given the franchise's bullpen needs this winter, the above report could open the door for the Braves to consider a possible reunion with Newcomb.
Sean Newcomb Rumors Should Interest Braves This Winter
The Braves potentially reuniting with Newcomb could make sense as a relief option, with Aaron Bummer the only obvious left-handed option at the moment. It is easy to argue that the 32-year-old southpaw could become a bargain signing based on the plethora of available pitchers this offseason. Even if he can't turn things around on his own, his presence would instantly make Atlanta's bullpen better than it was last year.
The Braves only have four clear starting options with Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale, and Hurston Waldrep projected to take the first four spots in the rotation. Signing a former Brave who has the potential to contribute to the rotation or bullpen is a savvy move typical of Atlanta's front office.
For Newcomb, it is great to see the veteran garnering so much interest this deep into his career. After establishing to establish himself as a consistent option in Atlanta, there was room to wonder if the talented left-hander could be on his way out of the league. Instead, Newcomb has been productive enough to put becoming a member of the starting rotation back on the table.
Newcomb has made 65 starts throughout his career, pitching to a 4.41 ERA compared to the 3.84 ERA he has in 158 relief appearances. Despite those inconsistencies, he'd still be a solid hand for the Braves, as he could bounce between the bullpen and starting rotation when needed. That versatility alone should give Atlanta enough reason to pursue an offseason reunion.