Sean Newcomb, Atlanta Braves. (Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
These Atlanta Braves players on the 40-man roster are the most likely ones to get designated for assignment before Opening Day.
The Atlanta Braves appear unwilling to put sentimentality first when it comes to roster decisions. They have let every free agent of theirs go with the exception of Eddie Rosario. Even Freddie Freeman, the face of the franchise, was let go this offseason.
So when it comes to the final roster crunch in 2022, don’t expect the Braves to make anything but the best possible decisions for their team.
Like the rest of Major League Baseball, the Braves will have a 28-man roster to begin the year. However, the 40-man roster size remains the same which means before Opening Day, there could be some cuts. In fact, we should expect it. These three members of the current 40-man roster should be the most likely to get designated for assignment and possibly end their time with the franchise.
Sean Newcomb might be the most recognizable Braves player to get the DFA treatment before Opening Day
A 2014 first-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Angels, Sean Newcomb was once a young up-and-coming pitcher in the Braves’ starting rotation. After two so-so seasons, he has spent the last three pitching mostly in relief. Last season’s 4.73 ERA in 32.1 innings of work wasn’t the promising result they had hoped for.
Control has been an issue for Newcomb. He has averaged 4.8 walks per nine and saw it rise to 7.5 per nine last year. He has fallen hard over the last few seasons and with zero minor league options left, he’s likely to become a roster casualty for the Braves.
The Braves already have a lot of left-handed options in their bullpen. Will Smith, Tyler Matzek, and A.J. Minter are the top three. Newcomb is essentially fighting alongside Tucker Davidson for a long man role in relief. Also a left-handed hurler, Davidson has an edge over Newcomb for two reasons. One is a remaining minor league option left. The other is a pre-arbitration salary.
The Braves have been hesitant to pay some of their players even letting Richard Rodriguez become a non-tendered player prior to the MLB lockout.
Newcomb’s upside has seemingly passed. It’s probably time to give someone else a shot.