The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with free agent pitcher Sean Newcomb, bolstering their left-handed pitching options. The move comes shortly after signing first baseman Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million deal. General manager Chris Getz continues to actively shape the roster ahead of the holiday break.
CHICAGO -- As the holiday break approaches, Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz remains deeply engaged in roster improvements. On Tuesday, the team announced a one-year, $4.5 million agreement with free agent left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb. This signing follows the official introduction of first baseman Munetaka Murakami on Monday at a press conference at Rate Field, where the Japanese star joined via a two-year, $34 million contract, adding power to the lineup.
Getz expressed his passion for the role in an interview with MLB.com on Monday: “I don’t even know if I like the time off quite honestly. I love diving in. It probably drives my family nuts and perhaps some of our employees as I’m pinging them early in the morning or late at night or in the middle of the night. I love this job and I love pursuing ways to get us better.”
Newcomb, 32, brings versatility after splitting the 2025 season between the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics. He posted a 2-5 record with a 2.73 ERA, two saves, four holds, and 91 strikeouts in 48 appearances (five starts) across 92 1/3 innings. Among left-handed relievers, he ranked fifth in the majors with a 2.19 ERA and tied for seventh with 70 innings pitched. Acquired by the Athletics on May 27 in exchange for cash considerations, Newcomb excelled in relief, going 2-1 with a 1.75 ERA, holding opponents to a .214 average, and striking out 50 in 36 outings over 51 1/3 innings. His post-trade ERA ranked seventh among relievers with at least 45 innings.
A first-round pick of the Angels in 2014, Newcomb has a career 4.41 ERA in 65 starts and 3.84 ERA in 158 relief appearances. He joins left-handers Brandon Eisert, Tyler Gilbert, Bryan Hudson, Anthony Kay, and Chris Murphy on the White Sox's 40-man roster. Kay, signed this offseason to a two-year, $12 million deal, is positioned for the starting rotation. To accommodate Newcomb, the White Sox designated left-hander Ryan Rolison for assignment, keeping the roster at 40.