Athletics Welcome Sean Newcomb: What His Arrival Means for the Team

The Athletics have made a notable move by picking up left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb from the Red Sox. Boston had recently designated Newcomb for assignment, and in return, they receive cash considerations. The A’s also brought Drew Avans up from the minors after placing first baseman Nick Kurtz on the 10-day injured list due to a hip issue.

Newcomb, turning 32 soon, returns to Oakland after earlier stints in 2023 and 2024, hampered by knee injuries that limited him to just 25 innings. After being released in July 2024, he signed with the Red Sox and made the Opening Day roster this year. So far, he’s performed decently, throwing 41 innings with a 3.95 ERA, which is close to league averages for strikeouts and walks.

But Newcomb’s situation was complicated. The Red Sox had a challenging week of pitching. After a rainout, their starter only lasted four innings in a game, stretching their bullpen thin, leading to Newcomb being designated for assignment to make room for new arms.

On the flip side, the A’s have struggled recently, winning just three of their last 18 games. With many inexperienced pitchers, Newcomb’s experience could be valuable in a long relief or spot starting role.

As for Avans, he’s getting his big league chance just before his 29th birthday. A 33rd-round draft choice by the Dodgers back in 2018, he’s worked hard to earn this spot, first reaching Triple-A in 2021. His batting stats at that level have been solid, including a strong performance this year with a .328 batting average and a 117 wRC+, indicating above-average offensive production.

Avans can play all three outfield spots and is known for his speed, which could bring depth to the A’s outfield alongside younger players like Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler.

Unfortunately for the A’s, this move means parting with two depth pitchers, Matt Krook and Ryan Cusick. Krook briefly made it to the majors this season and has shown promise in the minors with a solid ERA, but he struggled during his brief appearances. Cusick, on the other hand, was highly regarded as a prospect but hasn’t lived up to expectations in the minors.

Both will now enter the DFA process, where they could be claimed by another team, traded, or sent back to the minors. While their futures are uncertain, they each offer potential that other clubs might find appealing.

In the bigger picture, this trade reflects the ongoing challenges and strategies teams face in managing their rosters, balancing immediate needs with long-term development. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how these changes play out for both players and teams alike.



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