Blue Jays Acquire Paul Sewald from Diamondbacks

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed veteran reliever Paul Sewald off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. This move comes after Arizona designated Sewald for assignment earlier in the week.

Sewald, who previously played for the Diamondbacks for a season and a half, returned to the team on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million after struggling with injuries in 2025. He had a strong start to the season, recording 18 saves and maintaining a 3.18 ERA through mid-June. However, his performance declined significantly, leading to 17 earned runs and seven home runs allowed in his last 10 2/3 innings before his designation.

Throughout his career from 2021 to 2023, Sewald had a combined ERA of 2.89 with 65 saves. The Blue Jays will take on the remainder of his salary, approximately $377,000, and plan to integrate him into a pitching staff that is currently dealing with multiple injuries. Sewald is not expected to take on closing duties, as that role belongs to Louis Varland.