Cubs: 3 next moves to make after the trade deadline
By Tim Boyle
2. Cubs should DFA Sean Newcomb and gives his innings to someone else
The Cubs joined in on the late-season DFA excitement this weekend when they did the right thing and finally cut ties with Andrelton Simmons. The free agent shortstop they underwhelmed fans with in the offseason leaves them after a tremendously disappointing 2022 season with few hits and barely any time on the field.
When it comes to pitcher Sean Newcomb, the case to designate him for assignment is a little bit different. He’s younger but also struggling mightily and not exactly pitching well this season when he has taken the field. In 12.1 total innings for the Cubs and Atlanta Braves, Newcomb has a 10.22 ERA.
Newcomb only recently had his contract purchased by the Cubs to put him on the major league roster. While not such a poor move to make as a reaction to the available spots they had at the trade deadline, he’s too much of a project to take on. Newcomb is already out of minor league options so unless he ends up looking like a completely different pitcher, it’s a bit of a waste to even put him on the mound regularly.
Exactly what role Newcomb will have with the Cubs is unknown. Does he get some chances to start or is he mostly bullpen-bound? With the team having enough healthy veterans and younger pitchers performing well, he’d probably only be asked to start when there are no other options as he did recently when the St. Louis Cardinals tagged him for two earned runs in three innings of work.
Newcomb may already be an IL return away from seeing his time in Chicago come to a conclusion.