Cardinals Eyeing a $7.35 Million Deal for Paul Sewald to Bolster Bullpen
The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up to strengthen their bullpen as the countdown to Spring Training begins. Despite rumors of payroll cuts, the team aims to stay competitive in the National League Central by enhancing its roster depth. Notably, the Cardinals boast considerable talent across various positions, indicating a strategic focus on resetting rather than a full-scale rebuild.
Assessing the Current State of the Cardinals
In the 2024 season, the Cardinals showcased a robust bullpen performance, a trend expected to continue in 2025, albeit with the departure of Andrew Kittredge. To fill this gap, the team is exploring free agency options, with notable interest in seasoned reliever Paul Sewald. Zachary Rymer from Bleacher Report has identified St. Louis as a potential landing spot for Sewald, labeling it a “good fit” given the team’s bullpen needs and Sewald’s skill set.
Paul Sewald: A Closer Look
Sewald’s 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks was marred by injuries, affecting his consistency as the team’s closer. Despite this setback, Sewald remains an intriguing prospect for teams seeking a reliable bullpen arm. Known for his impressive strikeout rate of 12.2 batters per nine innings between 2021 and 2023, Sewald brings a valuable mix of pitching prowess and experience to any team willing to invest in his potential.
Considering the Financial Aspect
A key factor in the Cardinals’ pursuit of Sewald is his previous salary of $7.35 million with the Diamondbacks in 2024. This figure positions Sewald as a moderately priced addition to the bullpen, making him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their pitching staff without breaking the bank. The Cardinals’ interest in Sewald signifies a strategic move to enhance their roster’s depth while maintaining financial prudence.
The Road Ahead for the Cardinals
As the Cardinals deliberate on potential acquisitions to fortify their bullpen, Sewald emerges as a compelling candidate to address their pitching needs. With his proven track record and affordable salary, Sewald presents a viable opportunity for the Cardinals to reinforce their bullpen ahead of the upcoming season. Whether this move materializes remains to be seen, but the Cardinals’ proactive approach underscores their commitment to fielding a competitive team in the challenging NL Central landscape.
