Ex-Mariners Closer Paul Sewald DFA’d Weeks After Losing Diamondbacks Closer Job

One bad stretch was enough for Arizona to show their former closer the door.

Aug 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Paul Sewald received the full experience of how quickly a closer can lose their job and become a roster casualty.  The Arizona Diamondbacks DFA’d Sewald on Aug 10. The move came shortly after they removed the former Mariners closer from his ninth-inning role, completing a pretty fast fall for a pitcher who had collected his 24th save this season on July 24.

That save tied Sewald for fifth-most in the majors. But it only inflates the production. Sewald blew two of his final three opportunities before losing the closer job, carrying a 5.26 ERA with 11 home runs allowed through 37 2/3 innings. It got even worse in his first appearance after the demotion. He was shelled by the Guardians for five runs without recording a single out on Aug. 1. So, they tried lowering the stakes, but his performance continued to raise the alarm. 

Paul Sewald’s Best Baseball Still Belongs To The Mariners

We remember a much different version of Sewald when he was in Seattle. The M’s signed him to a minor-league contract before the 2021 season after he spent four forgettable years with the New York Mets. Sewald arrived with a career 5.50 ERA and no guarantee that he would even make the major league roster.

Across two-plus seasons with the M’s, Sewald recorded a 2.88 ERA, 52 saves and 24 holds in 171 2/3 innings. In 2021, he struck out 39.1 percent of the hitters he faced despite lacking the raw velo that dominates modern bullpens. 

Sewald was effective in Seattle, which made their decision to trade in at the 2023 trade deadline hurt. The Mariners were still hovering around the playoff race, and Sewald was one of their clubhouse leaders. However, the return wasn’t so bad. Seattle sent him to Arizona for Dominic Canzone, Josh Rojas and Ryan Bliss. Two of the three are still with the organization now. 

The Diamondbacks got what they wanted. Sewald stabilized their bullpen, saved 13 regular-season games and helped them reach the World Series. Seattle also moved a reliever at the height of his value and received three controllable players. Canzone has since developed into one of the most dangerous bats in the Mariners’ lineup this season. 

Both teams got real value from the deal. Sewald’s latest DFA doesn’t erase his history with Arizona. Their manager Torey Lovullo mentioned it being an “agonizing” and “brutal decision" to let him go. But relievers can lose their grip quickly.

Mariners fans can appreciate everything Sewald accomplished in Seattle without pretending he remains that same pitcher. There’s little reason to think of reuniting at this point, even though the Mariners bullpen could probably use him. It’s better to remember him for his memorable run instead of chasing nostalgia.

Seattle found the best version of Paul Sewald. It also knew when to move him.