Ex-Seattle Mariners Reliever Paul Sewald Becomes Free Agent
Former Seattle Mariners closer Paul Sewald became a free agent on Thursday after the Detroit Tigers declined his option for the 2026 season.
Contract Details and Recent Performance
Sewald received a $1 million buyout instead of the $10 million mutual option, based on a $7 million one-year agreement. The 35-year-old right-hander was acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline and recorded a 4.58 ERA in 22 relief appearances. He missed time from July 11 to September 19 due to a strained right shoulder.
Career Highlights with the Mariners
Between 2021 and 2023, Sewald appeared in 172 games for Seattle. He posted an 18-8 record with a 2.88 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 52 saves over 171⅔ innings. Before the 2023 trade deadline, he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Other Tigers Roster Moves
Detroit also declined options on pitchers José Urquidy and Randy Dobnak. Dobnak made his only major league appearance this year on March 30 for Minnesota before being acquired by Detroit in late July. The Tigers declined a $4 million club option on Urquidy, who made his first of two major league appearances on September 14 after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
"Former Seattle Mariners closer Paul Sewald became a free agent Thursday after the Detroit Tigers declined his 2026 option."
"Sewald appeared in 172 games for the Mariners from 2021-23 with an 18-8 record, 2.88 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 52 saves."
Summary: Paul Sewald enters free agency after Detroit's decision, closing a significant chapter of his career with the Mariners marked by strong relief performances and durability.