Diamondbacks Reunite with Paul Sewald in Effort to Stabilize Bullpen
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The Arizona Diamondbacks are turning to a trusted veteran to help steady a bullpen that desperately needs it. Former closer Paul Sewald is rejoining the club on a one-year, $1.5 million deal, pending a physical.
It’s a reunion that makes sense on multiple levels. Sewald, now 35, was a key figure in Arizona’s 2023 postseason push after being acquired at the Trade Deadline.
He stepped right into the closer’s role, locking down 13 saves and giving the D-backs a much-needed anchor at the back end of games. His presence allowed arms like Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson to slide into more natural setup roles, helping Arizona find a winning bullpen formula just in time for their run to the National League pennant.
That version of Sewald was a stabilizing force-experienced, reliable, and unshaken by the moment. But the 2024 season told a different story.
Injuries limited his availability, and he appeared in just 42 games. Arizona opted not to bring him back following that campaign.
Sewald split the 2025 season between the Guardians and Tigers, but again, health was a hurdle. He was limited to only 22 appearances, and never quite found his rhythm.
Now, he returns to a Diamondbacks bullpen that could use a steady hand. The 2025 season was a tough one for Arizona’s relief corps, especially after both A.J.
Puk and Justin Martinez underwent Tommy John surgery. Without defined roles or consistent late-inning options, the bullpen became a revolving door-and a problem the team couldn't quite solve.
Enter Sewald. While he’s not the same pitcher who dominated during Arizona’s 2023 playoff run, his experience and familiarity with the organization make him a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing. If he can stay healthy and recapture even a fraction of his previous form, he could help bring order to a bullpen that was in flux for most of last season.
The deal is short-term, cost-efficient, and carries upside. And in today’s game, where bullpen depth can make or break a season, adding a veteran like Sewald could be exactly the kind of move that pays off in the long run.