Cade Smith just made clear statement about Guardians' second half chances 

Last season, Cade Smith was a staple at the back of the Guardians’ bullpen, albeit in a way few expected. 

While there had always been some buzz that Cleveland would end up trading Emmanuel Clase at the deadline and replace him with Smith, their hand was forced at the end of August when Clase was placed on paid leave due to a pitch rigging investigation. 

That ended up setting up a prosperous final month for Smith, who racked up a 2.79 ERA in 29 innings last season after Clase was suspended to help lead the Guardians on a frantic comeback in the American League Central. 

He’s carried that success over into this season, as he leads all of MLB with 28 saves while also earning his first career All-Star nod while serving as Cleveland’s bonafide closer. 

And although that success has come on a Guardians team that entered the break tied with the White Sox in the American League Central, Smith still believes Cleveland has what it takes to make the postseason yet again. 

“(Last year) this group that we have in the clubhouse was able to bear down and go on a tear and play our best baseball by the end of the year. That’s the expectation I have,” Smith told FanSided’s Adam Weinrib on Monday.

“Whether we go out and make some kind of acquisition that’s not something that I can control, but what I can tell you is that the atmosphere we have inside the clubhouse is a really special thing, and it’s a blessing to be a part of that.”

Cade Smith clearly believes in his Guardians teammates 

It may be hard to believe, but Smith’s turned into a bit of a Cleveland staple given his quick ascension through Cleveland’s bullpen. 

He may not have the tenure of José Ramírez or Steven Kwan, but he’s become as synonymous with Cleveland’s recent success as any player given how quickly he’s risen the bullpen ranks.

In 2024, he earned the final spot on the Guardians’ roster after the team’s front office didn’t elect to sign anyone on the waiver wire. Less than a month later, he was working as Clase’s set up man. 

The rest is history. 

But even if Smith has some clear faith in his teammates, the team’s needs are still clear, namely a starting pitcher and right-handed bat. 

But Smith’s comments bring up an interesting point to consider in that any kind of move could end up messing with the vibe in Cleveland’s clubhouse. 

While it likely wouldn’t be on the same level as the team’s 2023 deadline that nearly caused a mutiny in the Guardians’ clubhouse, any addition to the big league roster would result in someone else losing his roster spot. 

But no matter what the Guardians do at the deadline, they’re always going to be a dangerous team thanks to Smith’s presence at the back of their bullpen. 

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