Ex-Seattle Mariners Reliever Paul Sewald Becomes Free Agent
Former Seattle Mariners closer Paul Sewald became a free agent Thursday after the Detroit Tigers declined his 2026 option.
Contract Details and Performance
Sewald received a $1 million buyout as part of a $7 million, one-year deal instead of the $10 million mutual option. The 35-year-old right-hander, acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline, posted a 4.58 ERA in 22 relief appearances. He missed time between July 11 and September 19 due to a strained right shoulder.
Career Overview
Sewald appeared in 172 games for the Mariners from 2021 to 2023. During that period, he recorded 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 declined options on pitchers José Urquidy and Randy Dobnak.
- Dobnak made his only major league appearance this year with Minnesota on March 30 and was acquired by Detroit from the Twins in late July.
- The Tigers also declined a $4 million club option on Urquidy, who returned from Tommy John surgery on September 14 and made two big league appearances.
Paul Sewald of the Detroit Tigers throws a football prior to a 2025 playoff game in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Author's summary: Paul Sewald is now a free agent after Detroit declined his option; despite shoulder injury setbacks, he has a strong track record as a reliable reliever with the Mariners.