Tigers trade for veteran Guardians 4.70 ERA reliever

The Detroit Tigers came into the MLB trade deadline with a clear need in the bullpen, and through their first few trades, Detroit has begun addressing those needs. Late Wednesday night, the Tigers landed Rafael Montero from the Atlanta Braves.

The next morning, the Tigers are finalizing another trade for a reliever, this time, a veteran right-hander from the Cleveland Guardians. According to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, the Tigers are landing Paul Seawald in a deal with Cleveland.

Per source: Tigers are acquiring reliever Paul Sewald from Cleveland. He’s posted a 30% whiff rate over the last three seasons. Details on the return to come. Could be a cash or player to be named.

— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) July 31, 2025

Seawald is a veteran who's been on a few teams in his big league career. He began his career with the New York Mets, and then went to Seattle to pitch for the Mariners, where he had a 2.88 ERA in three seasons with the team.

In 2023, he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks and had a 4.08 ERA in one and a half seasons in Arizona. But, since joining the Guardians in 2025, he has struggled and has a 4.70 ERA in 18 appearances this season.

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However, as McCosky mentions in his report, the Tigers aren't expected to give up much for Seawald, as his return is likely a player to be named later or cash considerations. He's a cheap option for Detroit to try in the bullpen.

Across his big-league career, the 35-year-old Seawald has a 4.11 ERA and 86 saves. He's struck out 458 batters in 391.2 innings of work across his nine seasons in the Majors, and has been around a league-average reliever in his career.

This deal for Detroit is another move to bring in a reliever, and while not one of the top names on the market, should provide more depth in the organization for a postseason run. 

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