Red Sox sign left-handed pitcher and Mass. native to minor league deal
The Red Sox announced two more minor league signings on Friday that will also include an invite to spring training next month in Fort Myers.
Boston signed Mass. native and left-hander Sean Newcomb to a minor league contract and right-hander Yovanny Cruz.
Newcomb, 31, was born in Brockton but played his high school ball at Middleboro High School and then went to the University of Hartford. The lefty was selected by the Angels in the first round, 15th overall, in the 2014 MLB Draft. He was later traded to the Braves for shortstop Andrelton Simmons ahead of the 2016 season.
While in Atlanta, Newcomb made 161 appearances, including 58 starts, recording a 4.52 ERA from 2017 to 2022. The former top prospect made 30 starts for the Braves in 2018, posting a 3.90 ERA, 4.14 FIP, and 160 strikeouts while owning a 12-9 record. Newcomb has also spent time with the Cubs and both Bay Area teams, the Giants and Athletics. He spent most of 2023 at the Giants Triple-A affiliate and then was traded to the A’s. The southpaw posted a 6.30 ERA in 10 innings before he was released in July.
Newcomb is another left-handed option for the Red Sox, who already have Aroldis Chapman, Brennan Bernardino, Justin Wilson, and Zach Penrod. If he doesn’t win a spot in the Red Sox bullpen this spring, he will be good depth at Triple-A Worcester.
Cruz, 25, has never pitched in the majors. He posted a 4.55 ERA with 35 strikeouts over 23 appearances for Double-A San Antonio last season.
