San Francisco Giants Sign Former First-Rounder

After starting his career with immense promise as a starter in the Atlanta Braves rotation, things have gone sideways for former first-round pick Sean Newcomb. But the San Francisco Giants are willing to give the 29-year-old another shot at the bigs.

It's a minor league deal with an invite to the Giants' Major League Spring Training.

The big 6'5" lefty came up with the Braves in 2017 and in his second season had a nice year going 12-9 with a 3.90 ERA as a starter. He surrendered just 137 hits in 164 innings. 

He transitioned into a reliever in his 3rd season, and the results were just as promising, as he posted a 3.16 ERA out of the Braves' bullpen 68.1 innings. But control issues have derailed his career ever since. In his six seasons in the majors, Newcomb has averaged 5 walks per nine innings, an untenable rate, while also flashing some swing-and-miss stuff, with 9.2 K/9. But his career 4.52 ERA and 1.47 WHIP have obviously held him back.

Newcomb spent last season completely lost, posting an 8.78 ERA in 27 innings split between the Braves and the Chicago Cubs. He walked 6.2 batters per nine. 

But with the Giants organization known to be able to resuscitate pitchers' career, here's hoping that Newcomb finds his way once again. 

Photo: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports