Newcomb Gets Chance To Compete For White Sox Rotation Spot

The White Sox are still searching for a pitcher to round out their starting rotation, but even with a reported free-agent target, manager Will Venable says an internal option could still claim the role.

According to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, Venable said that left-hander Sean Newcomb will have an opportunity to compete for a starting job. 

The White Sox signed Newcomb in free agency, and while many view him as a potential bullpen option, he has made 65 career starts over nine major league seasons. 

Based on Venable’s comments, it appears the White Sox are taking a similar approach with Newcomb as they did with Bryce Wilson last season. Wilson was signed as a long reliever but was allowed to compete for a rotation spot during spring training, eventually making five spot starts, albeit with limited success.

Unlike Wilson, Newcomb has a stronger track record as a reliever, which could be a boost for a White Sox bullpen in need of left-handed arms. The 32-year-old recorded two saves with the Athletics last season and posted a 2.19 ERA across 70 bullpen innings split between the Red Sox and A’s, compared with a 4.43 mark as a starter.

The 2025 season was not an outlier. Newcomb has been far more effective out of the bullpen throughout his career. In 158 relief appearances, he owns a 3.84 ERA and has held opponents to a .213 batting average over 199 innings. As a starter, however, his ERA climbs to 4.41, with hitters batting .257 across 324.1 innings.

 The White Sox also have a deep group of internal options who could fill the fifth starter role if the front office is unable to land a fit in free agency. As it stands, Davis Martin, Shane Smith, and Anthony Kay appear to be rotation locks, while last year’s Opening Day starter, Sean Burke, should also receive opportunities after flashing promise in 2024. Jonathan Cannon will also have a chance to compete for a spot, even though he looks to be better suited as a long reliever moving forward. 

Drew Thorpe and Ky Bush are expected to return from injury, and the organization’s top pitching prospects — Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith — are waiting in the minor leagues, giving the White Sox no shortage of options as they sort out the back end of the rotation.

Given that, and the White Sox’s need for bullpen help,  Newcomb’s chances of cracking the rotation appear slim. The team used eight different left-handers out of the bullpen last season, but none emerged as a consistently reliable option.