This story was excerpted from Tim Stebbins’ Guardians Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
CLEVELAND — Since his rookie season in 2024, Cade Smith has been a stabilizing force in the Guardians’ bullpen. The right-hander established himself as one of the best relievers in the Majors while pitching in high-leverage situations.
Smith’s effectiveness has continued to translate to the ninth inning. The 27-year-old has been thriving as the Guardians’ closer, a role he assumed last summer. Given how he’s performing right now, you can understand the sentiment each time he takes the mound.
“It feels automatic,” Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter said.
Smith entered Friday’s series opener against the Red Sox at Progressive Field leading MLB with 19 saves (in 21 opportunities). He’s converted each of his past 16 chances, dating to the Guardians’ 4-2 win over the Orioles on April 16.
Over that stretch, Smith has logged a 1.53 ERA, having allowed four runs (three earned) on 15 hits and two walks with 28 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings over 17 appearances. Overall, he has a 2.70 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP with 39 strikeouts and five walks in 26 2/3 innings over 26 outings this season.
Smith was thrust into the closer’s role in 2025 after Emmanuel Clase went on leave on July 28 due to an MLB investigation. It was a sudden change, but the Guardians were confident Smith had the right temperament for it, which he demonstrated afterward. As he noted, the goal is the same no matter when takes the mound
“Regardless of the situation I get called to pitch in,” Smith said, “I’m there to do my job, put up a zero, try to keep the team in a spot to win. Whatever that looks like.”
There has been an organic adjustment Smith has faced since his role changed. Previously, manager Stephen Vogt could call his number anywhere from the fifth through ninth innings. Now, the earliest he could take the mound is the eighth.
Smith has adjusted to the new rhythm, and he’s continuing to learn what works best in his preparation routine. He has more time to get his body ready before he enters a game. It’s a matter of managing that and using it to his advantage.
“It’s something that has come along,” Smith said. “I’m still trying to learn. I don’t ever want to stop learning.”
Smith allowed at least one earned run in four of his first six appearances this season, and he had a 3.86 ERA in 14 innings over 14 appearances through April. It was a good figure, but above his stellar standard.
Every player experiences waves during a season, and Smith has been continually working to be the best version of himself. The results he’s achieved are a byproduct of that constant process.
“Definitely a huge part of it is getting my mechanics ironed out and being able to go out and be consistent and repeat those and really try to maintain that,” Smith said. “I’m a huge proponent of that.
“At that point, you can just go out and compete rather than feeling like there’s any reason for you to have to be searching for something on the mound.”
In the ninth inning Wednesday, Smith allowed consecutive singles to Curtis Mead and CJ Abrams and a sacrifice fly to Daylen Lile. He secured the Guardians’ 3-2 win over the Nationals by striking out José Tena and Jorbit Vivas, in a continuation of a stellar run by Cleveland’s relief corps.
The Guardians’ bullpen surrendered six runs in the eighth inning of a 6-4 loss to the Orioles on April 17. Over the next 37 games (through Wednesday), Cleveland led the Majors in relief ERA (2.47). All the while, Smith has been a continued anchor.
“With the way Cade’s throwing the ball, obviously, we feel really good when we have a lead after five,” Vogt said. “But it only feels good if you complete that 27th out, and Cade’s been lockdown with that.”
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