Paul Sewald has signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Cleveland Guardians, providing a valuable setup option for closer Emmanuel Clase. This deal includes a $1 million signing bonus and a base salary of $5 million, with additional performance incentives based on relief appearances. Sewald, 34, is an eight-year veteran with a total of 84 saves in his MLB career and joins the Guardians following a season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he recorded a 4.31 ERA and 16 saves. His tenure in Arizona was marred by injuries, including an oblique strain and neck discomfort, impacting his performance.

To accommodate Sewald on the roster, the Guardians designated right-hander Pedro Avila for assignment. Avila had a solid campaign with a 3.25 ERA and a 5-1 record last season. Sewald's addition strengthens Cleveland's bullpen, especially after losing relievers Eli Morgan and Nick Sandlin to trades this winter, underscoring the team's efforts to bolster its pitching staff heading into the new season.

Paul Sewald, a seasoned right-handed reliever, has signed a one-year contract worth $7 million with the Cleveland Guardians, enhancing their bullpen with a setup option for closer Emmanuel Clase. Sewald, who has recorded 84 saves in eight years, will receive a $1 million signing bonus and can earn additional performance bonuses based on his appearance count. Last season, he posted a 4.31 ERA with 16 saves for Arizona but faced challenges including injuries and a loss of his closer role in August.

The Guardians also designated Pedro Avila for assignment to make room for Sewald and signed right-hander Riley Pint to a minor league deal. Avila had a solid season with a 3.25 ERA in 50 games and was valued for his long relief contributions. With the departure of Avila, along with other relievers Eli Morgan and Nick Sandlin, the Guardians are making significant changes to their bullpen as they prepare for the upcoming season.

As 2024 wraps up, a retrospective on the Cleveland Guardians' performance reveals a year marked by significant achievements and challenges. Graded a 'B' by Bleacher Report, the Guardians experienced a mostly positive year, highlighted by a remarkable 16-game improvement in their win total from the previous season. Despite winning 92 games in 2022, the team struggled to establish itself as a true contender, largely due to inconsistent starting pitching.

The Guardians' success can be attributed to standout players like José Ramírez, who had a career year, nearing the prestigious 40-40 club. Additionally, Stephen Vogt made headlines as the first rookie manager to win Manager of the Year since 2019. The franchise also celebrated its best start to a season in history, surpassing some of its legendary teams from the 1990s.

However, the season was not without its issues. The team faced criticism for recent trades involving players like Andrés Giménez and Josh Naylor, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction among fans regarding the team's direction. Despite these concerns, the Guardians reached the ALCS for the first time in eight years, marking a significant milestone. While the season had its ups and downs, it ultimately represented a memorable chapter in the franchise's history.

Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians has had an extraordinary season, finishing with a remarkable 0.61 ERA and earning a spot as a 2024 Cy Young Award finalist. This has sparked debate about whether relievers should be considered for the prestigious award typically reserved for starting pitchers.

In a recent interview, Clase expressed his belief that any pitcher with exceptional stats deserves a chance at the Cy Young, emphasizing the importance of historic performance. The last reliever to win the award was Dennis Eckersley in 1992, and the baseball community is eager to see if Clase can break this long-standing trend.

The postseason has been challenging for many elite closers, with notable struggles from Devin Williams, Carlos Estévez, and Emmanuel Clase. However, Luke Weaver has emerged as a standout for the New York Yankees, converting all four of his save opportunities without allowing a run.

Weaver's transformation from a struggling starter to a reliable closer stems from a revamped delivery, increased velocity, and an improved changeup. His success this October highlights the Yankees' smart decision to re-sign him, showcasing his potential as a key bullpen asset.