There are specific stats that encapsulate the different realities and situations of the Cleveland Guardians this year. 2.73, for example, is Parker Messick’s ERA. 2.9, too, which is Brayan Rocchio’s fWAR, or 123: Chase DeLauter’s wRC+.
According to FOX Sports, the number, or stat, that defines the Guardians’ first half is 28. That’s right, 28: that’s the number of saves that closer Cade Smith has racked up to this point.
“Cleveland Guardians: 28,” FOX Sports wrote. “Guardians right-handed reliever Cade Smith has totaled an MLB-high 28 saves. He also sports a 2.84 ERA, has totaled 63 strikeouts, and is holding opponents to a .229 batting average.”
If you remember the very early stages of the Guardians’ 2026 campaign, Smith actually didn’t look very good. Some fans were concerned that he was no longer closer material and started panicking.
Time, however, tends to put everything where it belongs, sooner or later. And Smith, in case you had any doubts, belongs in the elite of relief pitchers in the majors.
The right-hander has enjoyed a dominant campaign, with his 2.84 ERA and even better 2.24 FIP, or Fielding Independent Pitching. The disparity between the two run-prevention stats means that his ERA should have been lower if he had better and more consistent defensive performances behind him. The Guardians are a solid fielding team, but that hasn’t always been the case when Smith is on the mound.
Ever since making his MLB debut in 2024, Smith has done nothing but dominate. His career 2.51 ERA proves it. If he keeps up this pace, he could be flirting with 50 saves by the end of the year.
Smith remains a strikeout god in the majors, fanning 34.8 percent of the hitters he has faced this year and walking just 6.1 percent. He has been so good and so dominant that his 1.5 fWAR is actually not that far off the second-best starter on the team, Gavin Williams, who boasts a 1.9 mark.
Smith is a deserving All-Star and should be able to pitch in the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday night, showing the world why he is widely considered the finest reliever in the American League. It’s time for those who are not familiar with his game to get to know him.
NEXT: Guardians Infielder Emerges As Potential Trade Target For Marlins
