As spring training winds down, the White Sox are still piecing together their starting rotation puzzle. With a crowded field of about ten pitchers vying for five spots, clarity remains elusive.
However, one decision has been made: Shane Smith will take the mound for the season opener in Milwaukee. Beyond that, manager Will Venable is keeping his cards close, though he did reveal that lefty Sean Newcomb will be transitioning to the bullpen.
Newcomb’s journey to the bullpen comes after signing a one-year, $4.5 million deal in December, with initial plans for him to compete for a starting role. Once a promising starter with the Braves, Newcomb has seen his role shift over the years. At 32, he was eyeing a comeback as a starter, but inconsistent spring performances have redirected his path.
Looking at Newcomb's track record, this bullpen move seems spot on. As a starter, he holds a 4.41 ERA and opponents hit .257 against him.
Contrast that with his relief stats: a 3.84 ERA and a .213 opponent batting average. Last season, he posted a 4.43 ERA in five starts but shined in relief with a 2.19 ERA over 43 outings between the Red Sox and Athletics.
With the White Sox needing a reliable left-hander in the bullpen, Newcomb fits the bill perfectly, especially in high-leverage situations.
The rotation, on the other hand, demands innings-eaters-something Newcomb hasn't been since 2018. With top prospects like Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, and Tanner McDougal on inning limits, the team needs veterans who can log more innings. Newcomb, not quite stretched out, isn’t the answer here.
Additionally, the White Sox have other promising options. Sean Burke, at 26, showed potential last season.
With years of control ahead, he represents a future investment worth prioritizing over Newcomb. Burke might not be a guaranteed star, but he has a shot at being part of the next competitive White Sox team.
While Newcomb could still see some starts, his real value lies in the bullpen, where he can tackle those crucial innings. As the rotation continues to take shape, placing Newcomb in the bullpen seems like a savvy move for the White Sox.