The Cleveland Guardians added another arm to their bullpen.
They signed Paul Sewald to a one-year, $7 million contract.
The 34-year-old could now be the team’s setup man for closer Emmanuel Clase.
Nonetheless, Jonathan Peterlin isn’t particularly satisfied with the move.
If anything, he thinks the Guardians are settling and not investing the money properly to get to the next level.
On 92.3 The Fan, he argued that this was just an illusion of money being re-invested to bolster the team.
"This feels depressing is what it feels like. This is them thinking they're re-investing the money. This is not re-investing the money." @JPeterlin and @NickWilsonSays break down the #Guardians signing of RHP Paul Sewald ⚾
🔊 Listen: https://t.co/NSZEBkh2Eb pic.twitter.com/Ra5apsW0JR
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) January 22, 2025
The eight-year veteran has recorded 84 saves in his career.
He posted a 4.31 ERA and 16 saves with the Arizona Diamondbacks last season, but he also lost his closer job early in August.
Sewald faced an injury that sidelined him for the initial part of the season, leading to a decrease in his fastball velocity from a career average of 92.2 mph to 91.4 mph.
Sewald is a proven veteran, and the Guardians already know what they’re getting with him.
Also, it’s not like they’re bringing him in to be the closer.
Even so, losing one of their key bullpen players to make room for him might have rubbed some people the wrong way.
The Guardians designated Pedro Avila for assignment after going 5-1 with a 3.25 ERA in 50 appearances for the team last season, and with Eli Morgan and Nick Sandlin also out, it’ll be interesting to see how the bullpen fares next season.
NEXT: Guardians Sign Intriguing Pitcher To Minor League Contract
