The Cleveland Guardians found their closer in an unexpected place when Emmanuel Clase’s midseason suspension thrust 26-year-old Cade Smith into the spotlight.
Cleveland initially used a closer-by-committee approach, but Smith quickly seized the ninth-inning role for a team chasing a historic comeback.
Since taking over closing duties, he has delivered a 2.96 ERA with 13 saves across 27⅓ innings.
Smith has transformed into the anchor of Cleveland’s bullpen, drawing recognition from former Guardians second baseman Carlos Baerga.
“Cade Smith, in the last 11 games, 0.82 [ERA], 11 innings, 21 strikeouts, just one run. That’s special. He is going to another level,” Baerga said.
Cade Smith has BALLED OUT in September. #GuardsBall@BaergaCarlos talks about Smith's ridiculous stretch of one earned run and 21 Ks in 11 IP.
presented by: @SmartChoiceWin_ https://t.co/ka2vhjNoK0 pic.twitter.com/pZinNOFmlZ
— Carlos Baerga Show (@BaergaShow) September 25, 2025
The numbers support that assessment.
Smith ranks in the 97th percentile for strikeout rate, 98th percentile in expected ERA, and 95th percentile in whiff rate.
His arsenal features a 97-mph fastball paired with a devastating splitter and hard sweeper that generate consistent swings and misses.
Manager Stephen Vogt has praised Smith’s composure under pressure, noting he never shrinks from big moments regardless of the inning.
Smith’s emergence has provided Cleveland with bullpen flexibility heading into October.
For the Guardians to make postseason noise, Smith’s performance remains crucial. October baseball magnifies every mistake and makes each lead precious.
A reliable closer can transform slim advantages into victories and force opponents to play from behind.
If Smith maintains his late-season dominance, Cleveland can shorten games and build the foundation for a deep playoff run.
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