An outstanding defensive infielder, Gabriel Arias may get a chance to initially win the second base job for the Guardians.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The door opened and shut quickly for Kyle Manzardo four days before Christmas. One minute Josh Naylor was getting traded to Arizona on Dec. 21, potentially opening first base for Manzardo. A moment later the Guardians confirmed that they’d signed free-agent Carlos Santana to replace Naylor at first.

According to multiple reports, including MLB insider Jeff Passan, the Guardians and Sewald agreed to a 1-year deal worth $7 million guaranteed. The deal also includes a mutual option for the 2026 season worth $10 million (or a $1 million buyout if both sides agree to part ways).

Reliever Paul Sewald and the Cleveland Guardians have agreed to a $7 million, one-year contract, adding a setup arm for closer Emmanuel Clase.

Relief pitcher Paul Sewald is headed to the Guardians after his role as the Diamondbacks' closer came to an unceremonious end this past season.

Complacency and the Guardians don’t mix. They went into the offseason after winning the American League Central, drawing over 2 million fans and making a 10-game postseason run against the Tigers and Yankees.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Big Four at the back end of the Guardians’ bullpen remain intact, but beyond Emmanuel Clase, Tim Herrin, Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis there have been big changes this offseason.

The league's best bullpen from a year ago might have gotten even better Wednesday. The Guardians and free agent reliever Paul Sewald have agreed to a one-year deal that includes a mutual option for the 2026 season.

As the MLB offseason continues, the Guardians have made a move to bolster their bullpen, signing free agent veteran reliever Paul Sewald.

Paul Sewald signs with the Cleveland Guardians on a one-year deal for the 2025 season, with a mutual option in 2026.

CLEVELAND (WKBN) — The Cleveland Guardians announced the signing of veteran relief pitcher Paul Sewald on Wednesday. The deal has a mutual option for 2026 and is worth reportedly $7 million, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic.

One of Cleveland’s biggest strengths is its bullpen. They have star closer Emmanuel Clase, who had a 0.61 ERA last season and led the league in games finished (66) and saves (47). They also have Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and lefty Tim Herrin, all of whom had sub-2.00 ERAs last season.