Cade Smith: The Rise of the Unlikely Rookie Reliever

In a sports saga unfolding in Cleveland, Cade Smith, an unheralded rookie reliever, has emerged as a key figure in the Guardians’ postseason plans. Smith’s journey to prominence is marked by unexpected twists, perseverance, and a dazzling performance on the mound.

It was just five days before the Guardians’ 2024 Opening Day that the team faced a critical decision concerning their final roster spot. The choice lay between Smith, a rookie reliever, and a seasoned veteran scooped up from another team’s bullpen. This decision was pivotal for the Guardians, who were grappling with injuries to several key players. Eight hours before the first pitch, Smith, then in a San Francisco hotel room, received the call. The Guardians had placed their trust in the young pitcher who nearly gave up baseball in high school and was undrafted after college.

Smith’s rise through the baseball ranks began humbly in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Disagreements with his high school coach led him to switch teams, eventually earning a single scholarship offer from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Despite going unselected in the pandemic-shortened 2020 MLB draft, the Guardians recognized Smith’s potential and brought him on board. Under their tutelage, Smith refined his skills, enhancing his fastball with data-driven techniques that improved his pitch velocity and control.

Smith’s rookie season has defied expectations; he has become the first Cleveland reliever in over twenty-five years to surpass the 100-strikeout mark. With a fastball rated as the most effective pitch of the 2024 season, Smith has baffled batters and maintained an impressive 1.91 ERA across 75 1/3 innings, yielding only one home run.

Guardians pitching coach Carl Willis and catcher David Fry have noted Smith’s stoic demeanor both on and off the field, an attribute that has contributed to his calm and calculated pitching approach. “He’s a machine,” remarked a fellow rookie reliever, highlighting Smith’s consistency and composure during high-pressure moments.

Despite beginning the 2024 season in uncertainty and being unable to visit his ailing father due to visa restrictions, Smith’s resilience has been unwavering. His family witnessed his powerful debut against the Athletics, where he delivered two scoreless innings and struck out five batters, foreshadowing his standout season performance.

Smith’s versatility allows him to enter games early, staving off opposition advances, and maintaining control until the Guardians deploy their top bullpen arms. His potent fastball and masterful splitter have left hitters guessing and grounded his reputation as a formidable force on the mound.

The Guardians’ decision to forgo an external addition for a spot in their bullpen has proven fortuitous, cementing Smith’s status as a promising talent destined for continued success in Major League Baseball.