The league revealed the BBWAA awards finalists on Monday night.
We got to know each league’s finalist for the MVP, Cy Young, Manager and Rookie of the Year.
In the specific case of the Cleveland Guardians, they have two people opting for these recognitions: Emmanuel Clase for the Cy Young award and Stephen Vogt for Manager of the Year.
Many people took a look at the AL Rookie of the Year finalists and couldn’t believe a specific Guardians reliever wasn’t among them.
One of them was reporter Guardians Prospective, who offered statistical evidence that shows Cade Smith had to, at least, be among the finalists.
“Cade Smith led all American League relievers not just rookies in fWAR (2.7) in 2024. Not a finalist?,” he wondered.
Cade Smith led all American League relievers not just rookies in fWAR (2.7) in 2024. Not a finalist? https://t.co/ImejfyT4Vo
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) November 12, 2024
A 2.7-WAR season is a very solid outcome even for position players or starting pitchers.
For a reliever to return that kind of performance, and do it in his first year in MLB, is nothing short of amazing.
Smith won a spot in spring training, and nobody had a clue he was about to be one of the most dominant relievers in the league, let alone rookie bullpen pieces.
He posted an incredible 1.91 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP and 103 strikeouts in 75.1 innings, and extended his dominance through the playoffs.
With all due respect to Luis Gil, Austin Wells and Colton Cowser, Smith not being nominated is not fair.
Maybe he is paying the ‘he is a reliever’ tax, but the numbers say he should have been a favorite to take home the award.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Earns A Place Among AL Finalists For Prestigious Award
