CLEVELAND, OH - The Cleveland Guardians announced today the signing of free agent RHP Paul Sewald to a 2025 Major League contract that also contains a Mutual Option for 2026.

Sewald, 34, has recorded four straight double-digit save seasons since joining the Seattle Mariners as a free agent in 2021, posting a combined record of 19-11 with 81 saves and a 3.18 ERA in 234 relief outings with the Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks over the last four seasons (229.0IP, 155H, 81ER, 299SO, .187avg; 11.8SO/9IP). Originally selected by the Mets in the 10^th round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of the Univ. of San Diego, he pitched in the Mets organization for nine seasons before latching on with Seattle in 2021.

Seattle traded the Las Vegas, NV native to the Diamondbacks during the 2023 trade deadline, and he went on to convert a club record six saves during Arizona¡¯s run to the National League pennant, tossing 8.0 scoreless innings during the NLWC, NLDS and NLCS. His 2024 campaign was derailed by oblique and neck Injured List stints around a career-high consecutive scoreless inning streak (15.2, 17-G), May 9-June 30, and a career-best 11-straight save conversions over the same span, while recording a 1.13 WHIP and .232 average against across 42 relief outings (16SV).

Sewald and his wife, Molly, have been pillars in the Las Vegas, Seattle and Phoenix communities, creating Sewald¡¯s Strikeouts 4 Kids in 2022, which has raised over $250,000 in donations that go to providing children a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect, by creating strong and successful families. Beyond financial contributions, Paul and Molly dedicate their time to visiting Child Crisis Arizona and running supply drives, exemplifying their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. This past September, the Diamondbacks made Paul their club Roberto Clemente Award nominee, given annually to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

Sewald becomes the fourth Major League free agent signing for Cleveland this offseason. To allow room on the 40-man roster, the club designated RHP Pedro Avila for assignment. The 40-man roster is currently at 40 players.