The Kansas City Monarchs acquired RHP Ryan Newell in a trade that sent Anibal Sierra to the Milwaukee Milkmen on June 4th, 2021. However, Newell remained on the inactive list until he was activated on June 29th. The right-hander last pitched for the Sugar Land Lightning Sloths in the Constellation Energy League. 

Newell spent the better part of seven minor league seasons in the Miami Marlins organization. He bounced between Rookie ball and Double-A over those seven years — accumulating a 2.78 ERA in 317 ⅔ innings. Of his 88 career minor league appearances, Newell started 61 of them and tallied a decision in 39 (20-19). 

The 30-year-old also pitched overseas in the Puerto Rican Winter League with Cangrejeros de Santurce and in the Mexican Pacific Winter League with Venados de Mazatlan. Newell appeared in 24 games and 22 of them came in relief. In total, he showcased 6.33 ERA with 12 saves in three seasons in a foreign league.