Cleveland Guardians Sign Reliever to $7M Deal, DFA Avila

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Guardians announced Wednesday they have signed free-agent reliever Paul Sewald to a one-year, $7 million contract with a mutual option for the 2026 season. The deal includes performance bonuses that could increase its total value to $7.5 million.

Sewald, a right-handed pitcher represented by ISE Baseball, will receive a $1 million signing bonus, a $5 million salary for the 2025 season, and a $1 million buyout if the mutual option is declined. He can earn an additional $100,000 for reaching each of 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 relief appearances next season.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Guardians designated right-handed pitcher Carlos Avila for assignment. Avila, who played a key role for the team last season, was reportedly stretching out to potentially start games. The move comes as part of a roster crunch, with Cleveland also signing right-hander Kyle Pint to a minor league deal and inviting him to spring training.

“This one’s a bit surprising,” said one fan on social media. “Figured Sewald would find a chance to close again.” Sewald, known for his strong performance in high-leverage situations, joins a Guardians bullpen that has been a cornerstone of the team’s success in recent years.

Jeff Passan of ESPN first reported the financial details of Sewald’s contract. The 33-year-old reliever has a career 3.12 ERA and 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings over seven MLB seasons, primarily with the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Guardians’ front office has been active this offseason, aiming to bolster their pitching staff. “If anyone can get him back to his old self, Cleveland is as good of a candidate as anyone,” another fan commented, reflecting optimism about Sewald’s potential impact.

Meanwhile, Avila’s designation for assignment has sparked debate among fans. “I’m a bit surprised they DFA’d Avila,” one supporter noted. “He came up big for them last year.” The Guardians could explore trade options for Avila rather than risk losing him on waivers.

With spring training approaching, the Guardians continue to fine-tune their roster, hoping to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run in 2025.