Overview
- Venable said Wednesday that Newcomb will compete for a rotation spot, with the left-hander's track record giving the team the option to deploy him in relief.
- Newcomb logged a 2.73 ERA with two saves, four holds and 91 strikeouts over 48 appearances (five starts) and 92 1/3 innings for the Red Sox and Athletics in 2025.
- He was one of the league’s most effective left-handed relievers last season, ranking fifth in ERA at 2.19 and tying for seventh with 70 relief innings, including a 1.75 ERA after joining Oakland.
- The White Sox plan an open contest for starting roles that features recent signee Anthony Kay alongside returnees Shane Smith, Davis Martin, Sean Burke and Jonathan Cannon.
- Newcomb said he brings a starter’s mindset and aims to provide veteran leadership and quality innings, noting a six-pitch mix that can carry him through multiple turns of a lineup.