An opportunity can arise at any moment in the game of baseball. Being ready and able to take advantage of it can make an MLB career.
The Cleveland Guardians were dealt a completely unforeseen setback last season, yet they managed to overcome it, thanks in large part to relief pitcher Cade Smith. With Emmanuel Clase lost to a gambling investigation, Smith took over for the All-Star closer and helped the Guardians to an unlikely playoff berth.
Heading into this season, analyst Anthony Castrovince expects even bigger things from Smith, predicting he will win the American League’s relief pitcher of the year.
“AMERICAN LEAGUE RELIEF PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Cade Smith, Guardians,” Castrovince wrote. “For now, with Cleveland going back to Smith in the ninth after he took over the closing role from Emmanuel Clase in 2025, he’s my pick. After all, Smith has spent his first two Major League seasons holding opponents to a .558 OPS – eighth-best among MLB relievers with at least 100 innings in that span. He’s a big guy (6-foot-5, 230 pounds) with big stuff and big extension, and so far he’s been unflappable.”
Ironically, Clase was coming off his second AL Relief Pitcher of the Year award. However, in July, he and teammate Luis Ortiz were placed on leave by MLB for their role in a suspected gambling scheme. The pitchers are now facing charges and are unlikely to play in the majors again.
Clase’s absence left a giant void in the Guardians’ bullpen. Fortunately, Smith was on hand and ready to step up.
Moving from his setup role to closer, Smith was outstanding. From August through the end of the regular season, he had a 6-1 record with 13 saves in 16 opportunities. He gave up just eight runs in 27.2 innings, and opposing hitters batted less than .175 against him.
After being as many as 15.5 games behind at one point, the Guardians still trailed by as many as 11 games in the final month but rallied to overtake the Detroit Tigers and win the AL Central. It was the largest deficit ever overcome to win an MLB division.
Now, Smith will open the season as the closer as Cleveland aims for its third straight division crown.
NEXT: Analyst Predicts Guardians' 2026 Opening Day Lineup
