The Cleveland Guardians will go through a bit of a transition period early in the season.
With Josh Naylor and Andres Gimenez gone, someone will have to step up and be the new leader.
With that in mind, team insider Zack Meisel argued that even a newcomer could have a big role on the team.
While he argued that Matthew Boyd or even veterans like Steven Kwan or Carlos Santana should be expected to step up, Paul Sewald could also be a strong candidate:
“Don’t forget Boyd, who had an enormous influence in the clubhouse, even in a short period. I’ve heard rave reviews about Paul Sewald’s presence. Santana is an obvious answer to your question. Kwan and Ramírez, too. Bieber and Bibee on the pitching side. Austin Hedges was born for the role. There are plenty of candidates,” Meisel said.
Sewald’s signing has been a subject of debate among the fan base.
For starters, the fact that the team moved on from Pedro Avila to make room for him was met with skepticism by some.
Others argued that there was no need for a closer since the Guardians have the best in business in Emmanuel Clase.
Also, it’s not like his numbers from last season were that encouraging.
Nevertheless, Sewald is a respected veteran, and he’s been very serviceable for most of his career.
If the team can help him turn back the clock and become the same player he was before last season, they could have an elite setup man and even someone to handle closer duties if something were to happen to Clase.
Even if that’s not the case, the Guardians didn’t have to spend big bucks to get him.
If he brings another reliable arm and, more importantly, another leader to the clubhouse, he might be one of the bargains of the offseason.
NEXT: Guardians Bid Farewell To Departing Veteran Starter
