Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith leads MLB in saves with 20. In early April, people were panicking about his slow start, with some saying that he wasn’t as dominant this season, at least not in comparison to what he did in 2024 and 2025.
Time, however, puts everything and everyone where they belong. And Smith belongs in the elite.
After his first six games of the year, his ERA was at 7.50. He was uncharacteristically wild. However, he just needed a few games to get comfortable with his mechanics, and now, he has really taken off.
After 27.2 innings, the right-hander has a 2.60 ERA and a 5/42 BB/K ratio. He is throwing as hard as he always has, walking fewer people, and striking out more batters than ever.
In other words, Smith is arguably the best reliever in the American League, and if it wasn’t for Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres, he would be the unquestioned top bullpen piece in the major leagues.
There’s a specific fact about Smith’s season that resonates among fans. He has been responsible for locking down more than half of his team’s wins.
“Cade Smith has notched a save in nearly 60% of the first-place Guardians’ wins!” MLB wrote.
Cade Smith has notched a save in nearly 60% of the first-place @CLEGuardians’ wins! pic.twitter.com/zwzTLC1uH1
— MLB (@MLB) May 30, 2026
The Guardians have, after Saturday’s game, a 34-26 record. Smith has saved 20 of those 34 wins, a considerable percentage.
If anything, manager Stephen Vogt will have to refrain from using Smith so often, as he risks overworking him before the stretch run and the postseason arrive. He is just so good that it’s hard not to send him to the mound every time there’s a close game.
Despite some early-season struggles, the flamethrower has only two blown saves for the season. His 1.04 FIP for the year is the stuff of legends.
As long as he is healthy, fans can expect Smith to continue dominating hitters at will, helping lock down narrow wins that count towards the standings. He is truly one of the most underrated and valuable members of the Guardians regardless of position.
It’s unclear where the Guardians would be without him, but they sure wouldn’t have 34 wins.
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