Guardians closer Cade Smith ranked 4th-best reliever by MLB Network

Smith's dominant fastball and unflappable composure have made him one of baseball's elite closers

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Guardians closer Cade Smith has risen to elite status in the MLB, being ranked the 4th-best reliever by MLB Network's 'Shredder' rankings. Smith's 207 strikeouts in 149 career innings and 'nerves of steel' have made him a force to be reckoned with, taking over the closer role after Emmanuel Clase's suspension and excelling in the position.

Why it matters

Waymo has faced some resident backlash and instances of vandalism as one of the most visible self-driving taxi companies. San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood has one of the highest instances of property crime in the city, although incident rates have declined somewhat.

The details

In three separate incidents, police said Walker Reed Quinn has been damaging Waymo vehicles since July by removing and swinging his belt, placing a cone on the dome and sensors of the car, damaging the tires and driver's side mirror, and stomping on the windshield.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.