The Cleveland Guardians will look to replicate their success in the AL Central Division next season.
And judging by the way things have gone in the offseason, they might have an easy time doing so.
Nevertheless, as much as they seem to be ahead of the rest of the pack in the division, and even though they’ve had a decent offseason for the most part, there are still reasons for concern.
At least, that’s how Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report feels right now.
Miller believes the Guardians could regret signing RHP Paul Sewald.
Emmanuel Clase is the team’s undisputed workhorse at closer, and he still has two years left on his five-year, $20 million contract extension.
Sewald, however, will be making $6 million this season, while Clase makes just $4.5 million, and Miller believes that will be an issue:
“A reliever who completely imploded last season, we might add. Sewald blew four saves in July alone, losing his job as closer, posting a 7.04 ERA over his final 24 appearances and spending the final few weeks of the season on the IL with a neck injury. Even if Sewald’s salary doesn’t irritate Clase, the Guardians are unnecessarily toying with a delicate ecosystem in which Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis and Tim Herrin were all incredibly valuable last season, each logging at least 65 IP with an ERA below 2.00—as pre-arbitration players likely head for $800k salaries in 2025,” Miller said.
Clearly, the Guardians believe that Sewald can return to his previous form.
He will also provide the team with an experienced veteran who could be called upon to be the team’s emergency closer if something were to go wrong with Clase.
Nevertheless, that might be too big of a gamble, says Miller.
Some fans have expressed the same concerns.
For now, they can only hope their stellar bullpen will remain as dominant.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals Grade For Guardians' Offseason
