Former Seattle Mariners closer Paul Sewald has officially entered free agency following the Detroit Tigers’ decision to decline his option for the 2026 season. As part of this move, Sewald will receive a $1 million buyout from a previous one-year, $7 million deal that included a mutual option valued at $10 million.
Over the course of the 2023 season, Sewald was acquired by Detroit from Cleveland at the trade deadline. The 35-year-old right-hander had a challenging season, posting a 4.58 ERA in 22 relief appearances. His ability to contribute was hampered after he missed time between July 11 and September 19 due to a strained right shoulder. Overall, Sewald was a dependable presence for the Mariners between 2021 and 2023, appearing in 172 games with an impressive 2.88 ERA and 52 saves across 171 2/3 innings.
In addition to Sewald, the Tigers also declined options on pitchers José Urquidy and Randy Dobnak. Urquidy, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery, saw his $4 million option decline, although he could have earned an additional $3 million in performance bonuses based on his appearances. Dobnak, another right-hander, had signed a five-year contract in 2021 that included a $6 million team option for 2026, also declined by the Tigers.
As part of their roster adjustments, Detroit claimed right-hander Jack Little off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. These moves reflect the organization’s ongoing efforts to reshape their pitching staff moving forward.
Sewald’s free agency opens a new chapter in his career, and his prior success puts him in a favorable position to attract interest from teams looking for reliable bullpen help. As the offseason unfolds, it will be intriguing to see where he lands next and how his experience can contribute to a new franchise.