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.

Cade Smith has struggled in the postseason, giving up three home runs to Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge in Games 3 and 4, which is a stark contrast to his regular-season performance where he allowed only three homers across 559 batters faced. The Guardians rely heavily on their bullpen, and Smith's recent difficulties highlight the team's need for excellence in relief pitching to stay competitive in the series.

Cade Smith, the Guardians' ace setup man, struggled in Game 4, averaging only 94.0 mph with his fastball, significantly below his regular season average of 96.1 mph. His diminished velocity raises concerns about the toll of the postseason workload on Cleveland's bullpen, which is already stretched thin. As the Guardians face elimination, the effectiveness of Smith will be crucial for their chances in Game 5.