Paul Sewald is the newest member of the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen, the team announced yesterday.

The 34-year-old right-hander, who has experience as a closer, signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Guardians.

Sewald pitched in 60 games over the last two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He posted ERAs of 3.57 in 2023 and 4.31 last year.

He also saved 13 games in 2023 and 16 more in 2024.

EXPERIENCED ARM

Before that, Sewald spent three years as Seattle’s closer. He saved 52 games during that period.

Sewald began his career with the New York Mets, but things never took off for him there. He was 0-13 in his first two years in the Big Apple.

WHERE DOES HE FIT?

Cleveland doesn’t seem to need a closer, as Emmanuel Clase has filled that role well during the first three years of the “Guardians Era.”

Even if Clase got hurt or pitched as poorly as he did in the playoffs, Cleveland has Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith ready to go.

Still, it never hurts to have an experienced closer around, even if he has to be slotted into the middle innings.

That may happen, as Eli Morgan and Nick Sandlin have both moved on to the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays, respectively.

WHAT ABOUT PEDRO?

To make room for Sewald, the Guardians designated Pedro Avila for assignment.

That’s too bad. As the Guardians’ long reliever, Avila posted a 5-1 record with a 3.25 ERA in 50 games last year.