Relief pitcher Paul Sewald #38 of the Arizona Diamondbacks
Guardians Add Paul Sewald, DFA Pedro Avila, Sign Riley Pint for Minor-League Depth
The Cleveland Guardians made a flurry of moves Tuesday afternoon, headlined by the signing of veteran reliever Paul Sewald to a one-year deal worth $7 million, with incentives and a club option for 2026. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team designated right-hander Pedro Avila for assignment. Additionally, the Guardians bolstered their minor-league depth by signing former first-round pick Riley Pint to a Minor League contract.
Paul Sewald Brings Veteran Stability
Sewald, 34, joins Cleveland following a three-year stretch of consistent production in the big leagues. Over that span, the right-hander has posted a 3.23 ERA and a 3.78 FIP, supported by a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio of 10.6/2.9 K/BB per nine innings. Known for his durability in the back end of bullpens, Sewald struggled with oblique and neck injuries last season, which limited him to just 40 innings with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
His contract includes a $1 million signing bonus, $5 million salary for 2025, and a $1 million buyout on a $10 million club option for 2026. Sewald can also earn up to $500,000 in performance bonuses tied to appearances, signaling the Guardians’ hopes he can be a steady presence in their bullpen.
However, his career 4.74 FIP in high-leverage situations raises some concerns, especially given Cleveland’s reliance on shutdown performances late in games. Still, his experience and track record suggest he can serve as a key stabilizer for a bullpen looking to build off a strong 2024 campaign.
Farewell to Pedro Avila
The decision to designate Pedro Avila for assignment comes as a surprise to many fans. The 26-year-old showed promise in limited action with Cleveland last season, posting a 3.89 FIP despite a less favorable 4.89 xERA. Known for his ability to soak up innings, Avila’s departure raises questions about the Guardians’ pitching depth.
It’s possible the front office is betting on reacquiring Avila on a minor-league deal, but for now, his departure marks a significant gamble. Some have speculated that Cleveland could have moved on from other arms on the roster, but the organization’s historically strong track record with pitching decisions lends credence to their confidence in this move.
Riley Pint: A High-Upside Project
In addition to the Sewald signing, the Guardians inked Riley Pint, the fourth overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, to a Minor League contract. Pint, a former top prospect in the Colorado Rockies system, has flashed electric stuff, evidenced by his gaudy strikeout numbers. However, his lack of command—reflected in his equally staggering walk rates—has hindered his development.
At 26, Pint offers Cleveland an intriguing reclamation project. Known for their success in maximizing the potential of pitchers, the Guardians could be the perfect landing spot for Pint to finally harness his raw talent. He will report to Minor League Depth Camp to begin his journey with the organization.
What’s Next for the Guardians?
These moves come amid an offseason filled with calculated adjustments for Cleveland. The addition of Sewald signals a commitment to competing in 2025, but it also raises questions about the team’s next steps. Could a trade involving one of their current relievers be on the horizon? Will the front office pursue reinforcements at other positions, such as starting pitching or corner outfield?
The Guardians’ offseason strategy may also reflect their ability to reallocate resources, potentially reinvesting savings from long-term deals for Andrés Giménez and Myles Straw into win-now acquisitions.
A Fanbase Divided
While some fans mourn the loss of Avila’s dependable innings, others are optimistic about Sewald’s veteran presence and Pint’s upside. Ultimately, Cleveland’s recent track record of savvy pitching decisions earns them the benefit of the doubt—for now.
As spring training approaches, time will tell if these moves are part of a larger strategy or simply one piece of the puzzle for a Guardians team aiming to stay competitive in the AL Central.
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