Cade Smith has carved out a crucial role in Cleveland’s bullpen, adding another weapon to one of baseball’s most reliable groups.
Since debuting in 2024, the right-hander has flashed high-velocity stuff and the ability to adapt in any situation.
Alongside Emmanuel Clase before his suspension, Hunter Gaddis, and others, this relief unit remains among MLB’s best in ERA, strikeouts, and run prevention.
That production fueled postseason opportunities and showcased the group’s collective strength.
Speaking recently, Smith emphasized the group’s resiliency and the mindset driving its success throughout the season.
“I took more pride in the group of guys down in that bullpen to be able to handle some adversity. For everybody to step up in different roles and be ready to go, like the rest of the guys in this clubhouse who showed that resiliency, who showed that willingness to deal with adversity when it comes to not back down, persevere, and be able to step up, compete, and perform,” Smith said.
"I took more pride in the group of guys down in that bullpen to be able to handle some adversity"#Guardians Cade Smith on the team's relievers dealing with adversity throughout the year#GuardsBall @WEWS pic.twitter.com/acFKaQD3Ly
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) October 3, 2025
Even with injury concerns lingering during the year, he continued to pitch at an elite level while maintaining an impressive strikeout rate.
Smith’s improved secondary pitches have increased his effectiveness.
Depth has been a major factor as well. Relievers like Gaddis and Sabrowski have kept opponents off balance late in games, giving Cleveland flexibility when managing heavy workloads.
That mentality, combined with execution, helped the bullpen remain one of MLB’s best across advanced metrics in both 2024 and 2025.
Analysts praise the group’s adaptability and mental toughness, calling the bullpen a foundation for Cleveland’s success.
NEXT: Slade Cecconi Reflects On Guardians' Run This Season
