THE APEX TIMES
Cade Smith’s postseason routine: why the Guardians’ closer is the bullpen’s constant
Cleveland has leaned on Cade Smith almost like a multi-inning weapon through October, and the payoff has been efficiency when games tighten.
The Guardians’ postseason, in large part, runs through Cade Smith. Cleveland has used him in 18 of its 20 postseason games since the start of 2024, a frequency that the team says is unmatched in postseason history for a pitcher over a similar span.
That workload shows up in major moments. The Guardians credited Smith with appearing in all five games of their American League Division Series win over the White Sox, and also in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series against the Rays. Smith had a rare night off in Game 2, and he also benefited from the team’s off-day Wednesday.
The role is not accidental. Manager Stephen Vogt said they discussed the plan before the playoffs began, with Smith telling him he would be ready in whatever role the moment required. Vogt added that while he would prefer not to use him every game, the way the postseason unfolds often makes that difficult to control.
On the mound, the recent production has matched the trust. This postseason, the Guardians said Smith has allowed one run on two hits across 7 2/3 innings, striking out 11.
Cleveland’s approach also emphasizes broader buy-in rather than one-player heroics. Smith framed his availability as “all hands on deck” in do-or-die games, and he connected the bullpen’s readiness to the organization’s culture of having everyone prepared, including when starters come down to help in tight situations.
Behind Smith, the team also highlighted Hunter Gaddis as a key bridge option, crediting him with 5 1/3 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in front of Smith, helping set up the closer as the back-end finisher. The Guardians’ broader message is that a deep run requires shortening games in the late innings, and that almost every path to a World Series goes through Smith pitching nearly every night.
Why It Matters
- A bullpen built around one high-leverage arm can compress game paths for Cleveland, especially if the Guardians can stay within striking distance late.
- Smith’s postseason usage illustrates a management style that prioritizes readiness over traditional rest patterns when the series format reduces margin for error.
- The Guardians’ late-inning identity, as described by Smith and Vogt, depends on both the closer’s preparation and the staff’s willingness to adapt roles as games swing.
Key Facts
- Cade Smith has appeared in 18 of the Guardians’ 20 postseason games since the start of 2024.
- Smith pitched in all five games of Cleveland’s ALDS win over the White Sox.
- Smith also appeared in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series against the Rays.
- This postseason, the Guardians reported Smith has allowed one run on two hits in 7 2/3 innings while striking out 11.
- The Guardians said Smith had a rare night off in Game 2 and benefited from an off-day Wednesday.
- Manager Stephen Vogt said he and Smith discussed the postseason plan before it began, with Smith offering to be ready for whatever role was needed.