Guardians Reliever Cade Smith Embraces High-Pressure Role

Former biology major ready to take on closer duties after strong 2025 season

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Cade Smith, a right-handed reliever for the Cleveland Guardians, is set to take on an increased high-leverage role in the team's bullpen this season after establishing himself as a dominant late-inning option in 2025. Smith, who considered pursuing a career in medicine before committing fully to baseball, has the temperament and stuff to thrive in pressure situations, according to his manager.

Why it matters

The Guardians' bullpen was tested in 2025 when closer Emmanuel Clase went on leave, forcing the team to rely on Smith and others to step up. Smith responded well, converting 13 of 17 save opportunities, and the Guardians' relievers as a whole had the best ERA in baseball over the final two months of the season. With Clase's status uncertain, Smith's ability to handle the closer's role will be crucial to the team's success in 2026.

The details

Smith, 26, majored in biology at the University of Hawaii and even earned the top GPA among male student-athletes, considering a career as a laser eye surgeon before fully committing to baseball. His interest in medicine and steady demeanor have prepared him well for the high-leverage moments he has consistently pitched in during his career. After Clase's departure in 2025, Smith had to adjust to the closer's role but was able to thrive, posting a 2.79 ERA and 1.76 FIP in 29 innings over 30 appearances.

  • Smith made his MLB debut on March 30, 2024.
  • Clase went on non-disciplinary paid leave on July 28, 2025, leading to Smith taking over the closer's role.
  • From July 28 through the end of the 2025 season, the Guardians' bullpen had the best ERA in MLB.

The players

Cade Smith

A 26-year-old right-handed reliever for the Cleveland Guardians who considered a career in medicine before committing fully to baseball.

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians, who praised Smith's calm demeanor and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.

Emmanuel Clase

The Guardians' regular closer who went on non-disciplinary paid leave in 2025, leading to Smith taking over the role.

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What they’re saying

“The dude's not afraid to operate on someone's eye. He's probably not going to be afraid of getting three outs at the end of a game, because I know I wouldn't have the confidence to operate on anybody's eye.”

— Stephen Vogt, Manager, Cleveland Guardians (mlb.com)

“All of a sudden, we have this event happen, and we have to decide how we're going to respond to it. Every single guy in the bullpen pitched in and held together. It's a team within a team. It's a tight-knit group. It's been so much fun the last few years to be down there, and that played a big role in how we banded together to handle that shake-up.”

— Cade Smith (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Guardians will be closely monitoring Clase's status as the 2026 season approaches, with Smith expected to take on the bulk of the team's save opportunities if Clase is unable to return.

The takeaway

Cade Smith's steady demeanor and ability to thrive under pressure, honed through his interest in medicine, have prepared him well for the high-leverage role he will play in the Guardians' bullpen in 2026 as the team looks to replace the production of former closer Emmanuel Clase.