Free Agent Closer Paul Sewald Finds a Home for 2025

He was one of the top closers in baseball in 2023, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks to a World Series appearance. Injuries and a drop in performance last year, however, diminished Sewald's value heading into free agency. He's now found a home for 2025, with the Cleveland Guardians.

We have signed free agent RHP Paul Sewald to a 2025 Major League contract with a Mutual Option for 2026.

Welcome to Cleveland, Paul!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/p3dcmDQqLU
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) January 22, 2025

It's a one-year deal for $7 million for 2025 (with a $1 million buyout), with a $10 million option for 2026.

In 2023, Sewald, now 34, posted 34 saves combined with the Seattle Mariners and the Snakes, with 11.9 strikeouts per nine and a 3.12 ERA. His 2024 was marred by neck and oblique injuries that slowed him down, and limited him to 16 saves and a 4.31 ERA. He was removed from the closer's role at the end of July.

He'll now join a Cleveland bullpen that was the best in the majors last year, where he'll help to fill the void left by the departed Eli Morgan and Nick Sandlin. Sewald adds plenty of experience, joining young closer Emmanuel Clase, and equally young set-up men Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis.