LOS ANGELES — The Braves already had designated Sean Newcomb for assignment, but they didn’t simply let him go for nothing.

They got something for him.

The club announced it traded Newcomb to the Chicago Cubs for former Braves righty Jesse Chavez and cash considerations.

The Cubs signed Chavez in the offseason as a minor-league free agent. He’s pitched in only three games, allowing four earned runs in 5⅔ innings for a 6.35 ERA. He’s struck out three, walked two and given up seven hits. But Chavez compiled a 2.14 ERA in 30 games for the Braves last season.

Chavez will join a Braves bullpen that has been strong to begin the season.

The Kenley Jansen and Collin McHugh signings have paid off so far. Spencer Strider, a 2020 draft pick, has been a revelation for the Braves. A.J. Minter has built on his strong second half. Tyler Matzek and Will Smith have looked solid.

The Braves acquired Newcomb in a 2015 trade that sent shortstop Andrelton Simmons to the Angels. Over the years, Newcomb showed flashes but was inconsistent. He struggled to find his footing in the majors.

Atlanta traded pitcher Sean Newcomb (right) to the Cubs for former Braves righty Jesse Chavez and cash considerations. (Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com)

Credit: Curtis Compton

icon to expand image

Credit: Curtis Compton

Newcomb, who pitched in 144 games for the Braves after his 2017 debut, posted a 4.25 ERA over 383⅓ innings. He had a 7.20 ERA over five innings this season.

“He’s a big, strong left-hander that throws,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “There will be a lot of teams that take a crack at him. And hopefully for his sake, a change of scenery is something that helps get him going. He certainly has the physical abilities to be very successful here.”

This deal is a no-lose situation for the Braves. Because they designated Newcomb for assignment Tuesday, they were going to lose him regardless. But general manager Alex Anthopoulos acquired someone who potentially could be a useful piece for the bullpen this season.

In spring training, Anthopoulos said the Braves weren’t having any luck in the starting pitcher market, so they asked themselves how they could still improve the club. The answer: making the bullpen as good as possible. Anthopoulos said he had learned the value of a deep bullpen. It has another arm now.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Ron Washington left the Atlanta Braves after seven years as a coach to take over as Angels manager before the 2024 season. On June 20, it was announced that Washington, 73, would miss the rest of the season with unspecified health issues. (Terrance Williams/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC