Cade Smith's impressive performance last season places him in a position where Sewald's addition could either displace him or lead to a restructuring of bullpen roles, raising questions about resource allocation.

Cade Smith had a historic rookie season in 2024, becoming the first MLB reliever in the Modern Era to achieve at least 28 holds, 103 strikeouts, and 17 or fewer walks in a single season. He posted a remarkable 1.91 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP over 74 appearances, along with a strong postseason performance that included 16 strikeouts in 10 innings. Smith finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, solidifying his status as a rising star in the bullpen.

Cade Smith, a right-hander for the Guardians, was among the candidates for the Tip O’Neill award this year, highlighting his competitive performance in the league.

Cade Smith emerged as a key contributor in the Guardians' bullpen, boasting an impressive ERA below 2.00 over at least 65 innings pitched. His performance was instrumental in solidifying the team's pitching strength, helping Cleveland achieve a significant turnaround in 2024.

Cade Smith emerged as a key contributor for the Guardians during their 10-game postseason run, appearing in eight games. His involvement highlights the team's reliance on their bullpen, as they utilized multiple relievers throughout the playoffs, reflecting a broader trend in modern baseball.