The Cleveland Guardians of 2024 and 2025 became famous and celebrated around the league for their incredible bullpen. Those were the years in which they developed Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, Erik Sabrowski, and other impact relievers who became elite performers.
In 2024, they paced the league in bullpen ERA at 2.59 and also led it in saves. A year later, they were tied for first with 47 saves, and their 3.44 ERA ranked second.
This year, the Guardians’ bullpen ranks 14th with a 3.95 ERA as of Friday. The unit, however, boasts a 3.06 ERA since the start of May. It has improved significantly, and according to catcher Austin Hedges, it’s part of the never-ending adjustments game in MLB.
“They got the counterpunch to what the league is trying to adjust to them,” said Hedges. “It’s been really impressive to watch our guys respond to the league making an adjustment against them and it’s been our turn to make the adjustment. The success they’re having is no surprise to us in here.”
After a rocky start that had some people questioning whether he should be the Guardians’ closer, Smith has turned things around and now has a solid 3.05 ERA with an elite 1.51 FIP. He is better than ever: he just needed a few outings to fine-tune his mechanics and command.
Sabrowski has blossomed into one of MLB’s top left-handers and has a 1.86 ERA and a 1.71 FIP. He has struck out a whopping 46.7 percent of the batters he has faced to this point.
Gaddis is still struggling with a 6.75 ERA in 2026, but he has shown some progress in recent outings and has racked up two straight scoreless appearances. That’s a step in the right direction.
Colin Holderman survived an early-season demotion to return and post a 1.84 ERA in 14.2 innings of work in 2026. A cheap bullpen signing before the season, he has earned a place in manager Stephen Vogt’s circle of trust.
With a 0.68 ERA in 13.1 innings, Tim Herrin gives Cleveland another quality lefty in addition to Sabrowski. As you can see, the Guardians have many weapons, and there’s more talent in the minor leagues.
The bullpen could use another top guy via trade, but it’s in a good place, all things considered.
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