Sean Newcomb has actually dealt with considerable difficulties in measuring up to the lofty expectations set throughout his college profession and early expert journey. Drafted 15th general by the Los Angeles Angels in 2014 after showcasing his skill at the University of Hartford, the 31-year-old left-handed pitcher has actually collected a record of 28-28, along with a 4.50 AGE and a 4.38 FIP over 454 1/3 innings in the major leagues. Currently, he is on a mission to rejuvenate his profession with the Boston Red Sox, having actually signed as a minors complimentary representative throughout the offseason. Newcomb protected an area on the group following spring training, assisted by injuries to a number of Red Sox pitchers, and has actually because made 6 looks on the mound. In his 5 starts and one relief trip, Newcomb has actually published a 4.24 AGE, a 2.61 FIP, and a remarkable 27.5% strikeout rate throughout 23 1/3 innings, although he has actually suffered losses in all 3 of his choices so far.

In his sophomore season in the big leagues, Newcomb’s efficiency meant an appealing future filled with prospective fame. After being traded from the Angels to the Atlanta Braves as part of the Andrelton Simmons sell November 2015, Newcomb made a substantial effect in 2018, beginning 30 video games and attaining a 3.90 age over 164 innings pitched. At that time, he was highlighted on FanGraphs, with conversations about his quick increase as one of the premier pitchers in the National League. Notably, he came within one out of attaining a no-hitter that year. However, his trajectory took a recession as he transitioned to a relief function in the Braves’ bullpen in 2019 and hung out in Triple-A. From 2020 to 2024, he handled just 98 2/3 innings in the majors while betting 3 various groups, with an unpleasant age of 6.66 throughout that period.

Reflecting back to March 2015, Newcomb was plainly ranked as the second-best possibility on the Angels’ Top Prospects list, right behind fellow pitcher Andrew Heaney. This results in an essential concern: what did Newcomb’s hunting report on FanGraphs appear like at that time, and how does he view it now after years in expert baseball? To gain insights, I shared excerpts from our previous possibility expert Kiley McDaniel‘s report with Newcomb, welcoming him to offer his ideas and reflections on his journey.

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“Newcomb was the Hunter Dozier of the 2014 draft, a player that clubs liked higher than the media consensus had them, partly because teams weren’t sure if they were the only team that had him so high, so they kept it pretty quiet.”

“I think a big part of it was my coming out of the Northeast,” Newcomb showed. “That made me a bit more of an unknown, but I had a strong feeling that I was going to be a first-round pick. I had discussions with all 30 teams and genuinely believed there was a possibility I might go with the fifth pick to Minnesota.”

“Sources have indicated that the Mariners probably would’ve taken Newcomb with the sixth pick if Alex Jackson wasn’t there.”

“The Mariners were interested, and then there were the Toronto Blue Jays, who had two picks [no. 9 and no. 11], along with the New York Mets [no. 10],” Newcomb recollected. “I didn’t anticipate getting past the Mets, but several factors played a role, such as Kyle Schwarber being selected higher than expected [no. 4 to the Cubs]. Having played alongside Schwarber for two years on the Cape, I would have been shocked if he hadn’t been a high pick. I’m not surprised at all by the success he’s achieved in his career.”

“The attributes that captivate scouts about Newcomb are evident: he possesses a sizable frame, athleticism, a left-handed throw, and a fresh arm from being a multi-sport athlete from New England.”

“That’s always been part of my appeal,” Newcomb mentioned. “In college, I only reached 90 innings once, and the year before, it was just 72 innings. Those were essentially the highlights of my pitching career at that time.”

“Sits 91-94, hits 97, and shows surprising pitchability considering his background.”

“In college, I was typically low to mid-90s,” Newcomb kept in mind. “I suppose I had a balanced background in both football and baseball. I also played first base along with pitching. Pitching wasn’t always my primary focus, but I had a good sense that I would end up pursuing it. Once I entered college, I dedicated myself fully to that path.”

“I had conversations with several schools about football,” included Newcomb, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 255 pounds. “There were only a couple of Division I schools interested in me for baseball, while in football, the opportunities were typically for third-string tight end positions at higher-level schools. Boston College, Rutgers, North Carolina State, and Purdue were all options. Purdue was the only one that took my baseball potential seriously, alongside Hartford and Belmont University.”

“Newcomb demonstrates solid control, an understanding of pitch sequencing, and a repeatable delivery. However, he continues to refine the finer points of pitching, including consistency with command and the sharpness of his pitches.”

“I have always had a strong fastball and an effective curveball,” Newcomb shared. “I could rely on just throwing the ball in college. However, once I entered professional baseball, I realized I needed to refine my skills.”

“The raw materials for becoming an ace pitcher are present if he can make the necessary adjustments and maintain his health.”

“I’m still adjusting to all of that,” Newcomb reacted with optimism. “It’s been ten years. I genuinely aspire to be a successful starter. At 31, I’m still learning and adapting, still adding pitches to my repertoire, and still figuring out how to consistently retire hitters. I admire pitchers like Charlie Morton, who didn’t have significant struggles in his twenties, but it wasn’t until he was 32 or 33 that he truly blossomed into an outstanding pitcher. Perhaps that will be my journey as well [a left-handed Charlie Morton].”

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For extra insights and previous “Old Scouting Reports Revisited” interviews, you can check out links including interviews with significant gamers such as Cody Bellinger, Matthew Boyd, Dylan Cease, Matt Chapman, Erick Fedde, Kyle Freeland, Randal Grichuk, Ian Happ, Jeff Hoffman, Matthew Liberatore, and Max Scherzer.