Cade Smith
Breakdown
Performance
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April 7, 2026
Notches second win
Smith (2-0) earned the win in Tuesday's 2-1 victory versus the Royals, striking out two during a perfect ninth inning.
Analysis
The right-hander entered for the top of the ninth inning with the game tied 1-1 and quickly retired the side on just 10 pitches (seven strikes). The Cleveland offense then came alive in the bottom of the frame with a walk and two singles to walk off the Royals, providing Smith with the victory. The clean outing was desperately needed for Smith, who has now held the opposition scoreless in just three of his first seven outings this season. The 26-year-old's job security as Cleveland's closer appears stable for now, but that could change if he's unable to build on Tuesday's strong showing.
April 6, 2026
Hangs on for third save
Smith earned the save during Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Cubs, allowing one run on one hit and two walks in the ninth inning. He struck out two.
Analysis
Smith had the Cubs down to their final out before things got a bit messy. The right-hander issued back-to-back free passes before Ian Happ plated a run on a single, but Smith got Carson Kelly to strike out to hold on for his third save. Smith has now gone 3-for-4 on save chances to go with a rough 7.50 ERA and 1.67 WHIP across his first six innings, but there's no indication at the moment that the Guardians are going to turn away from him as their primary closer.
April 4, 2026
Picks up second save
Smith earned the save Friday against the Cubs, allowing no runs and one hit while striking out the side.
Analysis
A single surrendered to Carson Kelly was the only blip in an otherwise dominant appearance for Smith. He struck out the other three batters he faced en route to his second save of the season in his third try. The 26-year-old had allowed runs in three straight appearances, but Smith showed what he can bring to the closer's role when he's on his game Friday. He now sports a 7.20 ERA on the season but has just one walk and six strikeouts in five innings.
April 2, 2026
Allows runs in non-save situation
Smith allowed one run on one hit over one inning in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Dodgers.
Analysis
Smith entered a non-save situation -- Cleveland was leading 4-0 at the time -- and was touched for a solo home run by Freddie Freeman. It was the first homer allowed by the Guardians' closer, who has now given up runs in three consecutive outings, including a blown save last Saturday.