Guardians ink Sewald to 1-year contract reportedly worth $7M
The Cleveland Guardians signed veteran reliever Paul Sewald to a one-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.
The deal is worth $7 million, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic.
The Guardians' deal with Paul Sewald, per source:
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) January 22, 2025
Guaranteed one year, $7M
$1M signing bonus, $5M salary
$1M buyout or $10M salary for 2026
He'll earn an extra $100k for 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 appearances in 2025.
Sewald, who will turn 35 in May, recorded a 4.31 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 43 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024.
The righty converted 16 of his 20 save opportunities but ultimately lost the full-time closer role down the stretch. He pitched to a 7.04 ERA from July 1st onward after allowing just one earned run in his first 18 appearances.
If Sewald can return to form, he'll provide the Guardians with another effective high-leverage arm in a bullpen that already includes Emmanuel Clase, Cade Smith, and Hunter Gaddis.
The eight-year veteran has also spent time with the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners.