Breaking MLB Signing: Diamondbacks Bring Back World Series Closer

With AJ Puk and Justin Martinez to miss huge chunks of the season after Tommy John surgery, the Arizona Diamondbacks needed some extra depth in the bullpen. They've turned to a familiar face, bringing back their former closer Paul Sewald on a one-year deal.

The Diamondbacks are bringing back Paul Sewald on a one-year, $1.5M deal. Pending a physical.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) February 12, 2026

The contract is worth $1.5 million for the 35-year-old.

Sewald posted 29 saves in 57.1 innings in parts of two seasons with Arizona in 2023 and '24. He suffered from a shoulder injury for most of the 2025 season, and split his time between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers. He was able to post just 19.2 innings over the course of the year.

Sewald reached his pinnacle in that 2023 season, when the D-Backs acquired him from the Seattle Mariners at the trade deadline. He totaled 34 saves with a 3.12 ERA over the course of the regular season, then racked up six saves in the playoffs, as the Snakes made a run into the World Series.

His time as a top closer, however, came crashing to a halt midway through the '24 campaign with Arizona, as a run of four blown saves in nine opportunities cost him his closing duties.

The back end of the D-Backs' bullpen has limited options heading into 2026. With Puk and Martinez out, Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson are the only relievers with high-leverage experience. Sewald might not have enough left to serve in that capacity anymore, but he will hopefully be able to eat up some middle relief innings, if his shoulder is healthy.