Here’s a bold statement: the Arizona Diamondbacks’ bullpen has been a rollercoaster of chaos, and their latest move might just be the game-changer they desperately need. But here’s where it gets controversial—is bringing back former closer Paul Sewald a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
The Diamondbacks have officially inked a 1-year, $1.5 million deal with reliever Paul Sewald, as first reported by MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert. This reunion comes after Sewald’s tumultuous yet impactful stints across the league, including a notable run with Arizona from 2023-24. During his first season with the D-backs, Sewald posted a solid 3.57 ERA with 13 saves, playing a pivotal role in their World Series run. However, his postseason performance was a mixed bag, with a 5.40 ERA despite six saves in 10 innings. And this is the part most people miss—Sewald was flawless until the World Series against the Texas Rangers, where things unraveled.
The following season started promisingly, with Sewald boasting an impressive 0.54 ERA and 11 saves by the end of June. But July brought a dramatic downfall, as he blew four saves with a staggering 10.80 ERA, ultimately losing his closer role. Arizona shifted to a closer-by-committee approach, and Sewald later moved on to the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers in 2025, where injuries and declining fastball velocity (from 92.2 mph in 2023 to 90.4 mph in 2024) plagued his performance.
Arizona’s bullpen woes last season were nothing short of catastrophic. Key relievers like A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez underwent season-ending elbow surgeries after just 23.1 combined innings, while Kevin Ginkel battled shoulder injuries. Ryan Thompson and Jalen Beeks also spent time on the IL, leaving the D-backs scrambling. In 2025, they relied on a record-breaking 17 pitchers to record saves, including rookies like Juan Morillo and Kyle Backhus, who was later traded to Philadelphia.
Here’s the controversial question: Can Sewald, now 34 and coming off a season marred by injuries and inconsistency, regain his closer form? Manager Torey Lovullo has been vocal about needing a reliable late-inning arm, stating, ‘If we’re just league average, we make the playoffs.’ But with Sewald’s recent struggles and the bullpen’s youth movement, is this a step backward or a calculated risk?
Arizona has been active this offseason, signing Taylor Clarke and trading for Kade Strowd, while also taking chances on minor league relievers like Jonathan Loaisiga and Isaiah Campbell. Yet, the Sewald signing stands out as both a nostalgic nod to the past and a high-stakes bet on his resurgence.
What do you think? Is Sewald the answer to Arizona’s bullpen prayers, or is this a move destined for disappointment? Let’s debate in the comments—I’m all ears!
