Cade Smith emerges as key bullpen asset for Guardians as All-Star
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 9:13 PM
Last updated Jul 13, 2026
Cade Smith, closer for the Cleveland Guardians, has risen from undrafted free agent to a first-time All-Star. A former player at the University of Hawaii, Smith signed with Cleveland in 2020 and developed a splitter into one of MLB's best offspeed pitches. His teammates praise his commitment to improvement and skill development, highlighting his remarkable transition into a standout reliever. Smith's work ethic and consistency have made him a crucial part of the Guardians' pitching staff as they move through the season.
- •Cade Smith signed with the Guardians as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
- •Smith transitioned from obscurity to an All-Star in MLB.
- •His splitter has become a top offspeed pitch in baseball.
- •Teammates credit his professionalism and commitment to training.
- •Smith's development underscores Cleveland's ability to discover hidden talent.
- 9:13 PMYahoo Sports — Guardians closer Cade Smith, once an undrafted free agent and now a first-time All-Star, is cementing his place as MLB's most valuable reliever
"“It happens a lot in Cleveland, where it's like, ‘I've never heard of this dude,’ and then he's amazing,” teammate David Fry said.
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