The Cleveland Guardians had a successful 2024 season, finishing with a record of 92 wins and 69 losses.
Their playoff run ended in the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, but it was their longest playoff run since losing the World Series in 2016.
A big reason for the Guardians’ success this season was their dominant bullpen.
While their closer Emmanuel Clase gets most of the recognition, rookie relief pitcher Cade Smith also had a great season for the Guardians.
Stats show just how dominant Smith was in his rookie season.
Cade Smith posted ridiculous numbers in his rookie season out of the @CleGuardians bullpen ⚔️
75.1 IP
1.91 ERA
51 H
17 BB
103 K pic.twitter.com/ieQJjoXCIv— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 24, 2024
Smith’s rookie numbers include appearing in 74 games throwing 75.1 innings with a 1.93 ERA and allowing only 51 hits while striking out 103 and walking 17.
While Clase gets the recognition after his season that landed him as a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award, Smith showed just how good his stuff is with his sub-two ERA.
Smith was also effective in his first career postseason where he appeared in nine games and threw 10.0 innings allowing only five hits and four earned runs while striking out 16.
The Guardians will hope Smith can replicate his 2024 season next year as they try to win the American League Central for the second straight season.
The Guardians will look to their dominant bullpen next season to make a run at a title.
The combination of Smith and Clase at the end of games could be a disaster for opposing teams for years to come.
NEXT: Guardians' Excellent Player Development System Allows Team To Be Creative In Free Agency
