Diamondbacks bring back former closer

The Arizona Diamondbacks had one of the worst bullpens in Major League Baseball last season (27th, 4.82 ERA) and needed to find arms to help revamp things. 

To help do so, the Diamondbacks decided to bring back reliever Paul Sewald to give them an experienced late-inning reliever, while offering manager Torey Lovullo an option to be his closer. Sewald has 86 career saves under his belt. According to Diamondbacks beat writer Nick Piecoro for The Arizona Republic, the deal is worth $1.5 million. 

Sewald’s signing comes on the heels of Diamondbacks reliever Andrew Saalfrank missing the entire 2026 season due to having shoulder surgery. Sewald played in 22 games with the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers last season, pitching to a 1-1 record with a 4.58 ERA and had two saves in 19.2 innings. 

Returning to a familiar place in Arizona could offer Paul Sewald a rebound to success

Not having success and missing time due to a shoulder strain could be the reason for Sewald’s setback, as he had pitched in over 40+ games in the previous four seasons. Returning to Arizona, where he had success in the second half of 2023 (3.57 ERA), could help Sewald get back to being that pitcher. 

Entering spring training healthy, Sewald could likely get the first crack at closing games out, as reliever Justin Martinez (five saves) is working his way back from Tommy John surgery. Martinez said he hopes to return by early or late August.