The Cleveland Guardians avoided a major crisis last season. They lost one of their best players, but they didn’t seem to miss him at all.
Most people thought their season was over once Emmanuel Clase was placed on administrative leave because of his alleged involvement in a sports gambling scheme. However, it may have been a blessing in disguise.
That allowed Cade Smith to show what he was capable of, becoming the team’s de facto closer after some time as their set-up reliever. As shown by Guardians Prospective on X, Smith had already shown glimpses of that type of play, and he’s been one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball for a while now.
Smith ranks first in both fWAR (5.4) and FIP (1.67) among relief pitchers with at least 100 IP since the start of the 2024 season. He’s also second in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.75), home runs given up per nine innings (0.30), and innings of work (149.0).
If that wasn’t enough, he also ranks third in strikeouts (207), strikeout-to-walk percentage (29.0 percent), and games (150). Last but not least, he’s seventh in WHIP (0.95) and strikeout percentage (35.1 percent), eighth in ERA (2.42), and ninth in strikeouts per nine innings (12.50).
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Cade Smith's rankings amongst all relief pitchers in MLB with at least (100+ IP) since the start of the 2024 season.
1) fWAR 5.4
1) FIP 1.67
2) SO/BB 5.75
2) HR/9 0.30
2) IP 149.0
3) SO 207
3) SO/BB 29.0%
3) Games 150
7) WHIP 0.95
7) SO% 35.1%
8) ERA…— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) November 30, 2025
Smith might also be one of the league leaders in saves if he gets a full season to be the team’s closer. With Clase not likely to pitch again, that should be the case.
The Guardians were reportedly gearing up to trade Clase before the scandal. And after watching Smith’s impressive numbers, it’s easy to understand why.
NEXT: 4 Guardians Players Turned Heads With Strong 2025 Finish
