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

Aug 24, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) pitches during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images / Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

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

The Cleveland Guardians are already all set at the closer position. They have one of the best in business, with Emmanuel Clase fishing last season with a 4-2 record, a 0.61 ERA, a 0.659 WHIP, and 47 saves.

The Cleveland Guardians rode their pitching all the way to the playoffs last season. Now, they may have gotten even better. They brought free-agent reliever Paul Sewald on a one-year deal, and given his experience,

The Houston Astros are finalizing a trade that will send two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs, according to a report.

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.

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.