Stat Shows How Impressive Hunter Gaddis Has Been Since 2024

The Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen could have fallen apart last season when All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase was lost to an MLB gambling investigation. However, it held firm and helped the team rally to win the AL Central again.

A lot of that had to do with Cade Smith, who emerged from his setup role to take over as the closer. It also had a lot to do with Hunter Gaddis, who continued his reliable production despite the changing circumstances and jobs.

One stat in particular shows how impressive Gaddis has been since 2024, as he is the best in the game at recording holds.

“Hunter Gaddis leads all MLB relievers in holds with 68 since the start of the 2024 season,” Guardians Prospective wrote on X.

Hunter Gaddis leads all MLB relievers in holds with 68 since the start of the 2024 season. https://t.co/osfEWv6Yxg

— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) January 19, 2026

Last season, his fourth in the majors, Gaddis had 35 holds in 73 appearances, confirming his status as one of the top middle relievers in baseball. In 2024, he had 33 holds in 78 appearances with a 1.57 ERA in his first full season.

He hasn’t fared as well in the playoffs, however, with two holds and a 5.40 ERA in 11 of those high-pressure games. However, it can reasonably be argued that the Guardians would not have made the postseason last year without his efforts.

The same can be said of Smith, who was exceptional down the stretch as the Guardians, who trailed in the standings by as many as 15.5 games during the season and 11 games in September, made history by overcoming the largest deficit ever to win an MLB division. In the final two months, he was 6-1 with 13 saves, and Cleveland overtook the Detroit Tigers.

With Clase facing criminal charges and unlikely to ever play in the majors again, the Guardians have made several depth additions to their bullpen this offseason. That is notable because they are the only significant moves they have made, even though many fans and observers believe the offense is in dire need of an upgrade.

However, with a starting rotation led by Gavin Williams and a consistently reliable bullpen, the pitching staff could be enough to carry Cleveland to its third straight division title.