Ex-Seattle Mariners reliever Paul Sewald becomes free agent

Paul Sewald Becomes Free Agent After Tigers Decline Option

Paul Sewald, a former Seattle Mariners closer, has entered free agency after the Detroit Tigers opted not to exercise his 2026 contract option. The decision, made on Thursday, grants Sewald a $1 million buyout under his existing one-year, $7 million agreement, instead of the $10 million stipulated in his mutual option.

Paul Sewald of the Detroit Tigers throws a football before a playoff game in Cleveland
Paul Sewald of the Detroit Tigers before a 2025 playoff game in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Detroit’s Pitching Staff Decisions

The Tigers also declined options on two other pitchers: José Urquidy and Randy Dobnak. Urquidy, who returned from Tommy John surgery in September, had a $4 million club option. Dobnak appeared in just one major league game this year, on March 30 for Minnesota, before being acquired from the Twins in late July.

Sewald’s Recent Performance

After being traded from Cleveland at the 2025 trade deadline, the 35-year-old right-hander recorded a 4.58 ERA over 22 relief appearances for Detroit. He missed more than two months, from July 11 to September 19, due to a strained right shoulder.

Career Overview

Between 2021 and 2023, Sewald played in 172 games for the Mariners, posting an 18–8 record with a 2.88 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP, and 52 saves across 171⅔ innings. He was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks shortly before the 2023 trade deadline.

“Former Seattle Mariners closer Paul Sewald became a free agent after the Detroit Tigers declined his 2026 option.” — Associated Press
Summary

Paul Sewald’s free agency follows Detroit’s broader roster changes and reflects uncertainty as the veteran reliever recovers from injury and seeks his next opportunity in Major League Baseball.

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Seattle Sports Seattle Sports — 2025-11-07

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