Atlanta Braves 2017 Top 10 Prospects: Where Are They Now?

6. Sean Newcomb

Newcomb was just mentioned on the previous page. ‘Newk’ is having a great spring so far and making a case as a rotation candidate, while Cole Hamels licks his wounds.

Sean Newcomb is another first-rounder to grace this wonderful list of Braves prospects from 2017. He was drafted 15th overall by the Angels and acquired by the Braves in 2015 in the Andrelton Simmons trade.

He spent three consecutive seasons among baseball’s top 100 prospects. ‘Newk’ dominated the minors with a 3.17 ERA in 369.0 innings, racking up 432 strikeouts and allowing just 14 homers.

Like other strikeout artists on the list, Newcomb struggled with walks as his Minor League walks per nine sits at 4.7 batters.

Newcomb was promoted to AAA-Gwinnett in 2017 and strolled through 57.2 innings allowing just 2.97 earned runs per nine innings. Newcomb walked 33 batters and struck out 74.

He earned the callup to the majors where he held his own with a 4.32 ERA in 19 starts. He struck out 108 batters in 100 innings pitched. Again, he walked 57 batters and posted a 1.57 WHIP.

At age 25, Newcomb made 30 starts for the Braves and pitched in 164 innings. He finished with a 3.90 ERA and walked 81 batters. Control remained an issue for the talented lefty.

In 2019, the Braves opted to move Newcomb to the bullpen after struggling as a starter to begin the season and he thrived. Newcomb only started four games for Atlanta last season but appeared in 55 games. He posted a 3.16 ERA and a career-low 3.8 walks per nine.

Newcomb is a valuable part of the Braves’ pitching staff, whether he’s pitching late innings, long-relief, or if the Braves need a starter, Newcomb has proven himself in each role. He is currently making his case to open the season in the starting rotation.