Surmounting home runs and a spiking ERA have transformed Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald into a liability.
Paul Sewald has played an important role for the Arizona Diamondbacks this season. However, his recent performances have raised legitimate concerns as the team enters the most important stretch of the year.
There is no denying that Sewald has struggled lately when it comes to preventing runs. And with every game carrying greater postseason implications, the Diamondbacks must closely evaluate the situation before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Sewald’s return to Arizona before this season was not universally praised.
When the Diamondbacks acquired him during the 2023 season, he immediately stepped into the closer’s role and brought much-needed stability to a bullpen that had lacked consistency.
His presence helped transform the back end of the relief corps and played a significant part in Arizona’s run to the World Series against the Texas Rangers.
Sewald finished the 2023 regular season with 13 saves in 15 opportunities before adding six saves in seven opportunities during the postseason.
Sewald’s stats this season
For much of this year, he has continued to provide value in the ninth inning. One of the highlights of his season came on May 27 against the San Francisco Giants, when he recorded the 100th save of his MLB career.
This year he owns 23 saves with only two blown saves, making him one of Arizona’s most productive relievers. However, the recent trend has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
Sewald has allowed runs in seven of his last 11 appearances. His ERA has climbed from 3.18 to 4.71, reflecting the difficulties he has experienced over the last several weeks.
Since June 1, he owns a 6.00 ERA across 15 innings in 16 appearances while surrendering five home runs. Overall, he has allowed nine home runs this season, tied for the third-most among MLB relievers and only one shy of matching his career high.
The situation also brings back memories of 2024.
After beginning that season strongly, a difficult stretch during the summer eventually cost Sewald the closer’s role in July. Arizona later declined to offer him a contract, allowing him to become a free agent.
That history naturally raises questions about whether manager Torey Lovullo could make another change if the struggles continue.
Sewald’s declining velocity compared to his 2023 peak has also become part of the discussion.
With a repertoire built primarily around a four-seam fastball and a sweeper, questions have emerged about whether he can continue handling closing duties over the long term.
Arizona can’t deal with late-inning instability
If the Diamondbacks decide to make a change, the internal options each present challenges.
Jonathan Loáisiga brings previous closing experience from his time with the New York Yankees. However, in 236 career appearances, he has finished only 42 games and owns just nine career saves.
Juan Morillo is another possibility, but he has become an effective situational setup reliever. Moving him into an unfamiliar role carries the risk of disrupting both his confidence and his current effectiveness.
The organization could also explore the trade market, although quality closers may be difficult to acquire.
With 22 of MLB’s 30 teams still in postseason contention, only eight teams are realistic sellers. That limited supply could dramatically increase the asking price for available relievers, particularly rentals. Arizona may be reluctant to sacrifice premium prospects for a short-term bullpen addition.
A decision will need to come soon
The trade deadline arrives on Aug. 3, leaving only 10 days for the Diamondbacks to determine whether Sewald remains their closer, whether mechanical adjustments can restore his previous form, or whether outside help becomes necessary.
The final 59 games of the season will determine Arizona’s postseason fate.
The Diamondbacks remain firmly involved in a competitive postseason race where every victory matters.
Sewald has already shown throughout his career that he possesses the mentality to handle pressure and the confidence required to pitch in high-leverage situations.
His experience in postseason baseball gives him valuable perspective that few relievers possess, and teammates know he has succeeded on the biggest stage before.
Even during difficult stretches, his competitiveness and willingness to continue taking the ball have never been questioned.
Veteran closers often rely on adjustments rather than overpowering stuff alone, and Sewald has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to learn from adversity throughout his career.
If he can rediscover the consistency that made him such an important part of Arizona’s bullpen, the Diamondbacks will be in a much stronger position entering October.
If not, the organization may have no choice but to pursue another solution before the postseason race reaches its decisive stage.
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