The Cleveland Guardians have bolstered their bullpen for the 2025 season, signing veteran right-handed reliever Paul Sewald to a one-year, $7 million contract. The deal, which includes a mutual option for 2026, provides an experienced setup option to pitch in front of All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase.
Sewald, 34, is coming off a 2024 campaign with the Arizona Diamondbacks in which he posted a 4.31 ERA and collected 16 saves before losing the closer’s job in August. He made a late start to the season due to an oblique injury and was shut down in early September with neck discomfort.
Proven Late-Inning Option
Despite the injury-marred season, Sewald brings a strong track record to Cleveland. The eight-year MLB veteran has accumulated 84 career saves, primarily with the Seattle Mariners from 2021-23. His fastball velocity dipped slightly to 91.4 mph last year, but he still missed bats at a high rate.
Sewald’s experience in high-leverage situations should make him a valuable asset for Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. He joins a relief corps that has seen the departures of Eli Morgan and Nick Sandlin via trades this offseason after Cleveland captured the AL Central crown in 2024.
Contract Details
The $7 million guarantee for 2025 includes:
- $1 million signing bonus
- $5 million salary for 2025
- Up to $500K in performance bonuses based on relief appearances
- $10 million mutual option for 2026 with a $1 million buyout
Roster Move
To clear a 40-man roster spot for Sewald, the Guardians designated right-hander Pedro Avila for assignment. The 26-year-old posted a 3.25 ERA across 50 appearances for Cleveland last season after being acquired in an April trade with the San Diego Padres.
Bullpen Boost
As the Guardians look to defend their division title and make a deeper postseason run, the addition of a proven late-inning arm like Sewald should help solidify the bullpen. His presence takes some pressure off Clase and provides Vogt with another reliable option in close games.
Paul lengthens our bullpen and gives us a guy who has experienced a lot of success in crucial spots over several years in the big leagues.
– Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti
With Sewald in the fold, the Guardians will now turn their attention to addressing other areas of need as they navigate the remainder of the offseason. But shoring up the relief corps with a respected veteran certainly checks off one key box for the reigning AL Central champions.
