Guardians add veteran RP Paul Sewald on a one-year deal for 2025
The Cleveland Guardians added to their already elite bullpen on Wednesday, signing free-agent reliever Paul Sewald to a one-year deal.
The Cleveland Guardians dipped into the free-agent market on Wednesday afternoon, agreeing to terms with veteran relief pitcher Paul Sewald on a one-year, $7 million deal. The agreement includes a $1 million signing bonus and a mutual option for the 2026 season worth $10 million.
Sewald, 34, spent the last season and a half with the Arizona Diamondbacks, serving as one of their high-leverage relievers. In 2024, the right-hander appeared in 42 games, posting a 4.31 ERA and a 3.95 FIP. Despite a disappointing season, Sewald has a strong track record and is expected to bring much-needed veteran leadership to a young Cleveland bullpen.
From 2021 to 2023, Sewald recorded an ERA+ above 125 — 100 being league average — and played a significant role in a dominant Seattle Mariners bullpen, also pitching in crucial moments during Arizona’s 2023 World Series run.
Sewald relies on a three-pitch mix: a four-seam fastball, a sweeper, and a changeup, though he uses his fastball-sweeper combination nearly 90% of the time. Unlike many Cleveland relievers, Sewald does not possess elite velocity, with his fastball sitting in the low 90s. Instead, his biggest strength is his command, a critical factor in a reliever's success.
The Guardians are optimistic about Sewald returning to form in 2025, and there is reason for that optimism. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt was the Mariners’ bullpen coach during the 2023 season, where Sewald excelled with Seattle. The veteran posted a 2.93 ERA and an impressive ERA+ of 136 — 36% above league average — in his 40 IP with the Mariners.
For a team that already boasts a dominant bullpen and is typically cautious with spending, signing Sewald is an intriguing decision. While adding another strong arm is valuable, some may argue that the money would have been better spent on improving the offense.
This move could signal that the Guardians are more open to exploring trade options for pitchers like Hunter Gaddis or Emmanuel Clase to acquire another starting pitcher or outfielder. Such a trade would make Sewald’s signing even more logical. However, if the team stands pat and moves forward with its current bullpen, the addition of Sewald still provides manager Vogt with another reliable option in high-leverage situations.
To make room for Sewald, Pedro Avila was designated for assignment. Avila was a key contributor for the 2024 Guardians, and the organization is likely hoping he clears waivers to remain within the system. While losing Avila is unfortunate, adding Sewald strengthens the team overall.
Whether Cleveland supplements this move with a trade remains to be seen.