The Chicago White Sox still have plenty of unanswered questions in their starting rotation — but one recent decision brought much-needed clarity.
Manager Will Venable confirmed that left-hander Sean Newcomb will begin the season in the bullpen, a move that not only simplifies the competition but also aligns with both his track record and the team’s needs.
A Necessary Decision in a Crowded Race
Entering spring training, the White Sox had roughly ten pitchers competing for rotation spots.
With Opening Day approaching, only one role has been officially locked in: Shane Smith will take the ball for the season opener. Beyond that, the picture remains fluid — but Newcomb’s removal from the rotation race helps narrow the field.
And more importantly, it makes sense.
Newcomb’s Track Record Points to Relief
While Newcomb once profiled as a starter, his career results tell a clear story.
As a starter, he’s been serviceable, posting a mid-4.00 ERA across his outings. But in relief, he’s been significantly more effective, limiting hitters and producing stronger results in high-leverage situations.
That trend held true as recently as last season, when he struggled in limited starts but excelled out of the bullpen.
The White Sox are leaning into what works.
Filling a Real Team Need
Chicago’s bullpen, particularly from the left side, needed stability.
Last season, left-handed options were inconsistent, leaving the team without a dependable matchup arm. Newcomb immediately addresses that gap and has the ability to handle meaningful innings late in games.
In that role, he could become one of the more valuable pieces of the pitching staff.
Rotation Requires Durability
The decision also reflects what the White Sox need from their starters.
With several young pitchers expected to contribute this season — many of whom will likely be on innings limits — the rotation requires arms capable of consistently working deep into games.
Newcomb hasn’t demonstrated that kind of durability in years, making him a less-than-ideal fit for a full-time starting role.
Prioritizing Upside Over Experience
This move also opens the door for younger pitchers to claim those innings.
Players like Sean Burke, along with other emerging arms, offer more long-term upside and are at a stage where development at the major league level is critical. In a season where the White Sox are still building toward future contention, giving those opportunities to younger pitchers is the logical approach.
Newcomb, at this stage of his career, fits better as a complementary piece.
Flexibility Still Exists
None of this completely rules out Newcomb as a starter in 2026.
Because he’s been stretched out during spring training, he remains a viable option to make spot starts if needed. That flexibility adds to his value — but it doesn’t change where he’s most effective.
The Right Call at the Right Time
The White Sox still have decisions to make before finalizing their rotation, but this was one they got right.
By placing Newcomb in the bullpen, they strengthen a weak area, clarify the competition for starting spots, and align roles with performance.
In a spring full of uncertainty, that’s a step in the right direction.
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