This article digs into the Arizona Diamondbacks’ decision to bring back right-handed reliever Paul Sewald on a one-year, $1.5 million contract. The move reunites a veteran arm with a bullpen that played a big role in Arizona’s 2023 World Series run.
It also covers how the club cleared a roster spot and what Sewald’s unusual postseason track record might mean for the team’s bullpen plans from here on out.
Sewald returns to the D-backs on a one-year deal
The Diamondbacks announced Saturday that Paul Sewald, 35, signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract to return to Arizona. Sewald played a huge role in Arizona’s 2023 playoff run, coming up big in late-inning situations as the D-backs made it to the Fall Classic.
Last season he split time with the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers. He posted a 4.58 ERA in 22 appearances.
Arizona clearly wants a reliable right-hander who can step into high-leverage roles when the bullpen gets stretched, whether it’s during a long season or a tense playoff chase. Sewald came to the D-backs from the Seattle Mariners at the 2023 trade deadline.
He really shined in the 2023 postseason through the first three rounds, picking up six saves over eight scoreless innings. His World Series, though, didn’t go so well—he gave up six runs in two innings as Arizona lost the five-game series to the Texas Rangers.
To make space for Sewald, Arizona put right-hander Justin Martinez on the 60-day injured list. Martinez is recovering from elbow surgery.
This move brings Sewald back to the team that gave him a shot at an unexpected World Series run. Fans are hoping some of that late-inning magic returns, even if it’s a bit of a gamble.
Contract specifics and bullpen implications
The deal’s simple: one year at $1.5 million. For a reliever with Sewald’s playoff history, that’s not much risk.
Sewald already knows the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse and coaching staff. That kind of familiarity could help him fit right back in, especially when the pressure’s on.
He gives the D-backs a flexible late-inning option. Depending on matchups and how the bullpen shakes out, Sewald might close games or work as a setup guy.
The team gets a trusted arm for critical moments. Plus, he can help mentor younger relievers who’ll be thrown into high-leverage innings as the season drags on.
Signing Sewald keeps some depth intact while adding a proven closer-style arm for tough spots. Arizona keeps mixing experience with youth, and Sewald’s postseason chops fit right into that plan.
Key takeaways
- Paul Sewald returns on a one-year, $1.5 million deal. He’s back with the team he helped lead to the World Series.
- He brings postseason pedigree. That includes six saves over eight scoreless innings in 2023, though the World Series didn’t go his way.
- The roster move to place Justin Martinez on the 60-day IL clears a spot for Sewald. It shows the D-backs want more depth at the back end of the bullpen.
Here is the source article for this story: Diamondbacks, P Sewald agree on a 1-year deal
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