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PHOENIX — While pitchers and catchers have already reported and the offseason is winding down, the Arizona Diamondbacks are bringing back a familiar face to bolster their bullpen.
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According to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, the club has signed right-handed reliever Paul Sewald to a one-year Major League deal.
RHP Paul Sewald has been signed to a one-year deal by the @Dbacks. It’s a Major League deal.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) February 12, 2026
Oct 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) reacts with catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in game seven of the NLCS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sewald is no stranger to Arizona. In 2023, he was acquired from the Seattle Mariners at the trade deadline as the Diamondbacks looked to continue their surge in the National League and needed a reliable arm to handle closer duties.
He proved instrumental in that year’s postseason, pitching in critical situations to secure victories in several high-leverage games. Arizona ultimately captured the National League pennant, in part thanks to the structured bullpen roles that set the stage for Sewald’s closing contributions.
However, it isn’t 2023 anymore.
Aug 24, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) pitches during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Diamondbacks now face the challenge of restructuring a bullpen hampered by injuries and inconsistencies. With high-leverage arms like A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez still months away from returning, the team needed relievers capable of stepping into key late-inning roles.
Even if Sewald is not immediately assigned the closer role to start the season, his experience handling high-pressure situations and his versatility give Arizona flexibility to deploy him where needed.
Jul 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald (38) enters the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sewald most recently signed with the Cleveland Guardians on a one-year deal in 2025 before being traded to the Detroit Tigers at that year’s trade deadline. He finished the season with a 4.58 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across 19.2 innings.
With spring training underway and the Diamondbacks aiming to remain competitive in 2026, re-signing Sewald provides a familiar, experienced piece to help stabilize the bullpen.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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