The Cleveland Guardians haven’t had a busy offseason after a surprising ALCS appearance.
The front office’s main focus has been fortifying an already strong pitching staff.
Even though the team hasn’t made the big splash many wanted, Bruce Drennan recently said he’s a big fan of one of its moves this offseason.
In a recent episode of Bonus Time, Drennan got excited about the team’s addition of reliever Paul Sewald, saying, “He is an excellent, excellent, excellent addition to an already tremendous bullpen.”
Bruce is a big fan of the Guardians signing Paul Sewald
"He is an excellent, excellent, excellent addition to an already tremendous bullpen"
–@Bruce_Drennan pic.twitter.com/aWNjqbvaAz
— Bruce Drennan Show (@Bruce_Drennan) February 2, 2025
Sewald didn’t have a great year for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season and lost his closer job en route to a 4.31 ERA, his highest in a full season since 2019.
It’s unclear where Sewald will fit in an elite bullpen, but he could fill the role Nick Sandlin left behind.
Sandlin made 68 appearances last season and had a 3.75 ERA before being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays along with Andres Gimenez for Spencer Horwitz.
Sewald was signed for just one year and $7 million, so it’s a low-risk deal for a team that needed a contingency plan in case any of its workhorses falter after an incredibly long season.
Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, Tim Herrin, and Emmanuel Clase all appeared in at least 74 games during the regular season last year.
All except Herrin had some hiccups in the playoffs, with Clase specifically melting down a few times and costing the team pivotal wins.
If any of them hit a wall this year, Sewald will be there to fill in.
NEXT: Insider Believes 1 Pitcher Will Be Key To Guardians' Starting Rotation In 2025
