If you followed MLB in the 2010s, you’ll surely remember AJ Ramos.
The former reliever retired in 2021 after a dominant career that saw him finish with a 3.04 ERA and 99 saves.
He was also an All-Star in 2016.
Ramos is currently a broadcaster and analyst on MLB Network Radio.
As a former reliever, he knows what it takes to succeed in the role and has an eye for talented bullpen men.
He happens to be impressed by Cleveland Guardians star reliever Cade Smith, who posted a 1.91 ERA and struck out 103 hitters as a rookie in 2024.
He is in awe of his demeanor, so much so that he calls him ‘the Terminator.’
That’s a very cool nickname, we will give him that.
“His demeanor on the mound… it looks like he’s running through a brick wall,” MLB Network Radios posted on X, with a fragment of Ramos’ opinion of Smith.
"His demeanor on the mound… it looks like he's running through a brick wall."
Cade Smith ranks #️⃣5️⃣ on our #MLBNRTopTen 2025 Relief Pitchers.@CleGuardians | #ForTheLand
🔗 https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/auZFSnGZlY— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 12, 2025
Ramos said Smith ‘mows down guys’, which isn’t far from the truth.
2024 was a year to remember for Smith: he won a spot in spring training, entered manager Stephen Vogt’s circle of trust, and became a top reliever in the American League.
He was as trustworthy as they come in the postseason, too.
The foundation of Smith’s success is a high-octane fastball.
He dials it up to 97 or 98 mph even if he sits in the 96 range.
Its incredible extension makes it almost impossible to hit and makes it one of the best pitches in the game today.
Even former relief pitching stars are extremely impressed with Smith’s excellence.
He will be a mainstay in the Guardians bullpen for years to come.
NEXT: Bill Nye Makes Bold Prediction About The Guardians
