Even after the Atlanta Braves re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias, their bullpen still looks very questionable. With Joe Jimenez and Aaron Bummer recovering from injuries, the only reliever certainties are Dylan Lee and Iglesias.
Because of this, the team not only needs to fill out their high-leverage needs, but their low-leverage spots as well. While the Braves still have room in their payroll for high-leverage relievers, they might need to be savvy filling in their middle- and low-leverage roles, and former failed prospect Sean Newcomb might be the perfect pitcher to fill that role.
Sean Newcomb could be a perfect addition to Braves bullpen
It might be surprising to Braves fans who haven't followed along with Sean Newcomb's career arc since he was dealt to the Chicago Cubs for Braves legend Jesse Chavez in 2022, but the former top prospect is still pitching, and had a impressive 2025.
Newcomb never lived up to the hype with the Braves, and looked like he'd be the guy who'd show up for a few games every season after he only made a total of 34 appearances in the bigs, with all but three of them being in relief from 2022-2024.
However, last season, Newcomb made the Red Sox Opening Day roster as a starter. He had a subpar 4.43 ERA in five starts before being moved to the bullpen. Newcomb then made seven appearances out of the pen for the Red Sox, allowing seven runs in 18.2 innings (3.38 ERA).
Newcomb, despite having a passable 3.95 ERA and 3.48 FIP with the Red Sox, was designated for assignment in late-May, and was subsequently dealt to the Athletics. Despite being dealt to a team who's home park was not only a minor league park, but a launching pad, Newcomb thrived.
In 36 appearances with the A's, all out of relief, the 32-year-old lefty had a 1.75 ERA and 2.69 FIP in 51.1 innings. While his strikeout rate was a pedestrian 24.9%, his 7.0% walk-rate was the lowest of his career.
On the whole, Newcomb had a 3.04 FIP and 2.73 ERA in 2025, which was easily the best season of his career. His 1.7 fWAR was his second-highest in his nine MLB seasons, second behind his 2018, where he pitched 71.2 more innings.
With the Braves bullpen in question, Newcomb could easily slide into the middle-leverage role that the Braves struggled to find consistency out of with Enyel De Los Santos, Rafael Montero, and Aaron Bummer.
FanGraphs' crowd sourcing projects that the lefty will land a one-year, $5 million deal, which might be slightly out of the club's budget if they plan on having him fill the role of the lower-to-mid leverage reliever. However, if they're able to land the lefty for around $3 million, then they should jump on the opportunity.