Playing in MLB is extremely difficult. Staying in the league is even harder, especially for a highly volatile position such as a relief pitcher. We are already used to seeing talented bullpen pieces flame out because of injury or other reasons.

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.

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

An accomplished relief pitcher for the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Guardians.

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

With the additions of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, the Los Angeles Dodgers have constructed by far the best bullpen in MLB.

All teams will have Spring Training games with the “robo ump” system in place - the Guardians seeing 27 games. For those who are unfamiliar with the system, all teams start with two ABS challenges that allows the batter or the pitcher to challenge the umpire’s call on balls and strikes.

Reliever Paul Sewald and the Cleveland Guardians agreed Wednesday to a $7 million, one-year contract, adding a setup arm for closer Emmanuel Clase. An eight-year veteran, Sewald is a 34-year-old right-hander who has 84 saves during an eight-year big league career.

The Guardians and free agent reliever Paul Sewald agreed to a one-year deal that includes a mutual option for the 2026 season. The club has confirmed the signing.

MLB Network is continuing its annual tradition of ranking the “Top 10 Players Right Now” at each position. Using rankings based on past performance, various offensive and defensive metrics (including both advanced statistics and traditional numbers) and analysis by the MLB Network research team,

BASEBALL

Why Paul Sewald? That question came to mind when the Guardians signed the 34-year-old reliever to a one-year guaranteed $7 million deal. There is a mutual option for $10 million in 2026. Rarely do mutual options become real deals because either party can refuse and negate the contract.