White Sox Sign Sean Newcomb to One-Year $4.5M Contract

The Chicago White Sox just took a bit of a risk, betting on upside and versatility by agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran lefty Sean Newcomb.

They’re clearly hoping he can help steady a pitching staff that’s been, honestly, pretty shaky. Newcomb quietly put together one of the more underrated relief seasons in baseball last year, and he can start if they need him to.

White Sox Sign Sean Newcomb to One-Year Deal

The White Sox reportedly signed Sean Newcomb to a one-year, $4.5 million contract. That adds a seasoned lefty to their 2025 pitching mix.

This club has been searching for reliable innings and someone who can handle higher-leverage spots from the left side. Newcomb brings recent results and a pretty diverse track record.

At 32, Newcomb isn’t a “project” anymore—he’s a known quantity with nine years in the big leagues. What’s interesting here is how his 2025 season played out between Boston and Oakland, and whether that performance can carry over on the South Side.

Contract Value and Roster Implications

The $4.5 million price tag lands right in the middle tier for veteran pitchers coming off solid seasons, especially those who’ve filled multiple roles.

To make space on the 40-man roster, the White Sox designated lefty Ryan Rolison for assignment. That move really shows they want proven big-league production over prospect upside right now.

Breaking Down Sean Newcomb’s 2025 Season

Newcomb’s 2025 season was split between the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics. His time with Oakland, honestly, was some of the best work of his career.

Acquired by Oakland on May 27 for just $100,000, Newcomb made that low-risk deal look pretty smart for the A’s.

Overall Performance: A Versatile Workhorse

Across 2025, Newcomb posted:

The win-loss record doesn’t really matter here. A 2.73 ERA in 48 appearances, bouncing between starting and relieving, shows he handled a lot of different assignments with poise.

He can bridge multiple innings, open games, or finish them. That kind of flexibility is what a lot of pitching staffs want these days.

Post-Trade Surge with the Oakland Athletics

After landing in Oakland, Newcomb took things up a notch. With the A’s, he delivered:

He held hitters to a .214 average and kept runs off the board. That’s not just luck—it’s consistent execution.

The White Sox have struggled to miss bats and close out innings. Newcomb’s efficiency and ability to finish innings is exactly what they’ve been missing from the left side.

Newcomb’s Career Profile: Starter, Reliever, and Everything In Between

Over nine big-league seasons, Sean Newcomb has built a rep as a durable, adaptable arm who can handle a bunch of roles. That background gives the White Sox some options as they figure out their rotation and bullpen for 2025.

Across his MLB career, Newcomb owns:

Previous Stops and Experience

Newcomb’s bounced around a bit, spending time with:

He’s pitched for contenders and rebuilders, so he’s seen a little bit of everything. For a White Sox club trying to re-establish a competitive identity, having a pitcher who’s been through different transitions means something beyond just the stats.

What This Means for the White Sox Pitching Staff

Chicago’s move for Newcomb says they want stability but aren’t afraid to dream on some upside. He can work as a multi-inning reliever, maybe compete for a spot at the back of the rotation, or serve as a matchup lefty who can handle full innings.

Letting go of Ryan Rolison to make room for Newcomb shows the front office’s sense of urgency. Instead of waiting for a younger arm to figure it out, the White Sox are betting on a veteran who just posted a sub-3.00 ERA and thrived after a midseason trade.

Final Thoughts: A Low-Risk Bet on Proven Production

In a pitching market where upside usually comes at a steep price, the White Sox have landed a cost-effective, experienced left-hander. He’s coming off one of the best seasons of his career.

If Newcomb brings his Oakland form to Chicago—pounding the zone and limiting hard contact—the club could really benefit. His ability to fill multiple roles only sweetens the deal.

At $4.5 million, that’s not a bad gamble for 2025. Honestly, it feels like a smart move for a team looking for solid production without breaking the bank.

 
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