Paul Sewald Signs with Cleveland Guardians: Veteran Reliever Lands One-Year, $7M Deal
By Tremayne Person
Veteran right-handed reliever Paul Sewald has signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Guardians, per a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal is worth a guaranteed $7 million and includes a mutual option for the 2026 season. At 35 years old, Sewald looks to make an impact on a Guardians bullpen already rich in talent.
A Career of Ups and Downs
Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images
Sewald’s major-league journey has been anything but smooth. He initially struggled to find his footing with the New York Mets, posting underwhelming numbers between 2017 and 2020. However, a move to the Seattle Mariners in 2021 proved to be transformative. During his time in Seattle, Sewald became a critical piece of the bullpen, quickly stepping into the closer role and delivering strong performances from 2021 to 2023.
Despite his resurgence with the Mariners, Sewald's career trajectory took another twist. He was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks to close out the 2023 season but faced challenges in 2024. A decline in performance cost him his closer role, raising questions about his future in the league.
A Calculated Gamble for the Guardians
The Guardians’ investment in Sewald suggests they see potential for a rebound. Cleveland boasts one of the league’s most dominant closers in Emmanuel Clase, which likely limits Sewald’s opportunities to close games. However, his experience and proven ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable late-inning option for high-leverage situations.
Sewald’s addition could provide Cleveland with much-needed bullpen depth as they aim to contend in a competitive division. While his days as a full-time closer are potentially behind him, his veteran presence and history of resilience could make him a strong player in the Guardians' bullpen.
What’s Next for Sewald?
As Sewald begins this next chapter in Cleveland, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if he can rediscover the form that made him a reliable arm in Seattle. If he can, the Guardians may have landed a savvy addition to their bullpen, strengthening their chances in close games and the postseason chase.
