Cade Smith Reveals Why This Guardians Season Is Special

The Cleveland Guardians are three wins away from winning the AL Central for a third straight season. They would not have been able to be there without closer Cade Smith.

In his first full season in that role, Smith has been outstanding. With a save in the playoff-clinching 1-0 win against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, Smith leads the majors with 41.

In the celebratory locker room, Smith revealed why this Guardians season is special, giving credit to his teammates, the staff, and their mindset.

“It comes down to the guys in this clubhouse. It’s the group that we have here, top to bottom. We’re very clear with what our goal is. It’s taking it one day at a time, doing everything within our power to win,” Smith said.

Cleveland #Guardians closer Cade Smith after nothing his 41st save of the season clinching a playoff berth tonight vs the Red Sox. #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/IlrSOVBlAV

— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) September 25, 2026

Thanks to Cleveland’s impressive comeback abilities, Smith also has a 6-1 record, even though he has only five blown saves. His 107 strikeouts in 73.1 innings rank third among MLB relievers, and with just 23 walks, his 0.97 WHIP is also among the best in the game.

Smith took over as Cleveland’s closer last season after Emmanuel Clase was put on leave because of an MLB gambling investigation. He helped the Guardians overcome a historic deficit to win the division, and he said that experience for the entire team helped them greatly this year, as they have rallied from six games behind in mid-August to build a one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox in the division entering the final weekend.

Smith’s importance was highlighted during a recent three-game series against the White Sox when the Guardians regained first place. After Cleveland lost the opener, it was in danger of falling 2.5 games behind as it was trailing 6-5 in the eighth inning. Smith was brought in to get five outs to keep it close, and the Guardians rallied for a 7-6 walk-off win.

Then, the next afternoon, with first place back on the line, Smith was brought in to get four outs, protecting a 6-3 victory. In less than 24 hours, he recorded nine outs, and the Guardians were back atop the division.

They are still there entering their final series of the season against the Kansas City Royals, and Smith will likely be counted on to secure the division crown and No. 2 seed in the AL playoff bracket.