At this point, the American League Rookie of the Year award is likely a two-player race between Colton Cowser of the Baltimore Orioles and Austin Wells of the New York Yankees.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t other worthy candidates, though.
In fact, there is a case to be made that Cade Smith has been so dominant that he deserves serious recognition for the award.
He has been one of the best pitchers in the league’s top bullpen, the true fireman that gets manager Stephen Vogt out of jams with his swing and miss stuff.
MLB insider Buster Olney went through Smith’s AL ROY case and it’s compelling, to say the least.
“Cade Smith’s AL ROY case: 73 games, 1.94 ERA, 74.1 IP, 1 HR allowed, 17 walks, 102 strikeouts. Opp. average: .189. Opp. SLG: .277,” the veteran reporter posted on X.
Cade Smith's AL ROY case:
73 games
1.94 ERA
74.1 IP
1 HR allowed
17 walks
102 strikeouts
Opp. average: .189
Opp. SLG: .277— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) September 26, 2024
Those are truly elite numbers.
Smith has been one of MLB’s best relievers, let alone rookies.
His ability to strike people out is an asset for the Guardians bullpen, as he surpassed 100 punchouts in his first MLB season.
That’s incredibly impressive.
He uses a high-velocity fastball to get those swings and misses at the top of the zone, continuously bringing the heat and leaving the opposition with little chance to do something at the plate.
He is also stingy with home runs, having allowed just one in 74.1 frames to this point: that helps him limit damage to the minimum.
There is an argument to be made that Smith has been just as important to the Guardians as closer Emmanuel Clase, and that wouldn’t be outrageous.
He will be a key cog for Cleveland as they advance further and further in the postseason.
NEXT: Guardians Praise Unsung Rotation Hero
