Cade Smith takes consistent, disciplined approach to mound for Guardians

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Cade Smith takes consistent, disciplined approach to mound for Guardians

Michael Beaven, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Tue, Sep 22, 2026 ·

7 min read

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CLEVELAND – Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti fielded questions from media members for 22 minutes on Sunday, Sept. 20, before a 1-0 win over the Athletics .

When a question was posed about the consistency closer Cade Smith brings to the Guardians, Antonetti paused for four seconds to collect his thoughts.

"It gets to a point where I almost am at a loss for words for Cade just because of how consistent he is," Antonetti said. "I get the benefit; I'm often in the weight room or the clubhouse or other places where Cade is, and everything that he does is designed to give himself the best chance to be at his best every day to help the team win games.

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Cade Smith (36) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Cleveland Guardians celebrate a win over the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) reacts after he was tagged out by Athletics second baseman Donovan Walton (29) while attempting to steal second base in the eighth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Home plate umpire Junior Valentine (25) calls a third strike during a game between the Athletics and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Athletics relief pitcher Seth Johnson (52) delivers a pitch in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Fans react to a foul ball in the sixth inning of a game between the Athletics and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Athletics left fielder Zack Gelof (20) reacts after striking out in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Athletics left fielder Zack Gelof (20) hits a three-run home run in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Hot dog mascots race between innings of a game between the Athletics and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana (37) celebrates his solo home run in the fifth inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Athletics relief pitcher Scott Blewett (49) delivers a pitch in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) steals second base beside Athletics second baseman Michael Stefanic (17) in the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a two-run double in the fourth inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) walks on the field in the first inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Petey Halpin (0) scores in the fourth inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Petey Halpin (0) runs the bases in the fourth inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana (37) turns a double play in the fourth inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Athletics third baseman Tommy White (47) stands on the field in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Joey Cantillo (54) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Athletics shortstop Alika Williams (12) turns a double play beside Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jo Adell (7) in the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Progressive insurance commercial character Flo reacts after throwing out the first pitch before a game between the Athletics and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Progressive insurance commercial character Flo throws out the first pitch before a game between the Athletics and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Athletics left fielder Zack Gelof (20) watches as center fielder Henry Bolte (33) makes a catch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Mason Barnett (63) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Athletics left fielder Zack Gelof (20) celebrates his three-run home run in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Daniel Espino (41) follows through on a pitch in the first inning against the Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

"From what he eats, to his workout or his routines in the weight room, to the way he prepares his body and how he recovers, he is as committed as any individual I've ever been around to do everything he can to be available for the team every day to help us win. It really is extraordinary the way Cade goes about it.

"… I know I try to be disciplined myself. There are moments where I'm like, 'Ah, that cookie looks pretty good. I'll do that.' Cade doesn't waver. He is as disciplined and as consistent as any, not only player, but human being that I've ever been around."

Smith recorded the final four outs Sunday to earn his 39th save, the second most in the American League in 2026, as the Guardians (81-75) won their fifth consecutive game and remained atop the AL Central Division before an off day Monday.

Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith is congratulated in the dugout during a game against the Athletics on Sept. 20, 2026, in Cleveland.

"The feeling in the clubhouse is pretty awesome right now," Smith said. "I think we got some momentum. We've got confidence in the way we're playing. We're playing clean baseball. So, I think there's this kind of calm focus that we're ready to go out there and play. So, we're looking forward to taking it one game at a time and finishing strong and setting us up for the postseason.

"… There are a lot of guys in here who were in this clubhouse last September when we were clawing back from 15½ [games behind to win the AL Central title]."

The right-handed Smith is 6-1 with a 2.02 ERA, 103 strikeouts and allowed 48 hits and 22 walks in 71⅓ innings in 66 games this season.

"Cade, this is why he is who he is," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "He prepares every day to do whatever we need, whatever we ask of him as often as we do. He keeps himself ready to pitch every single day and he works so efficiently that he can do it for one-plus [innings] at times.

Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith throws a pitch against the Athletics on Sept. 20, 2026, in Cleveland.

"We've asked a lot of all of our guys this week, but especially the back end of the bullpen. They have absolutely stepped up this week, and this next week they're going to be asked the same thing, and then hopefully for another month [in the playoffs]. What Cade has done is really special. He's having an unbelievable year and I am really happy for him."

Guardians right-handed starter Gavin Williams , who was Sunday's winning pitcher, used the word "phenomenal" to describe Smith, a Canadian who is 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds.

"If he's getting three outs or if he's getting four outs, five outs, it doesn't matter," Williams said. "Cade's been phenomenal all year."

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Cade Smith, left, is congratulated by catcher Patrick Bailey after the Guardians defeated the Athletics on Sept. 20, 2026, in Cleveland.

Smith entered Sunday's game in the eighth inning after reliever Hunter Gaddis recorded two outs, but allowed a single and double as Athletics reached second and third base. Smith struck out Carlos Cortes on three pitches to end the inning, and then struck out two of the four batters he faced in the ninth to end the game.

"You want to make sure you strand those runners," Smith said. "The guy who came before you, he's one of your boys. That group is so tight-knit, so to be able to come in and pick the guy in front of me up, that's something that I'm pleased I got to do because I know he'd come in and do the same for me. That's the way that culture works down there. You come in and really attack hitters. My best stuff right from the get-go."

Smith, 27, has successfully transitioned from a rookie setup man in 2024 to an all-star closer in 2026.

"It's very comforting when he's out there in any kind of role," Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan said. "His demeanor is definitely really calming as well. That's our guy, and if we're going to go far, we're going to have to rely on him."

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Cade Smith throws a pitch against the Athletics on Sept. 18, 2026, in Cleveland.

Smith, a 2017 graduate of Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford, British Columbia, has 56 MLB saves in 69 opportunities. He also has a 20-7 record, a 2.29 ERA and 310 strikeouts in 220⅓ innings over the course of 216 appearances.

"He was a non-drafted free agent [in 2020 from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa], so we had to recruit him and we got a chance to know him in that process," Antonetti said. "And his commitment, his thoughtfulness, his dedication, his desire to be great were evident to us then. And then every day since he's been in the organization, he's just demonstrated that and continued to build on those skills.

"So, I don't think there was ever a question of that, but we also appreciate succeeding in the major leagues is really hard and succeeding as a closer is incredibly difficult. But I think what Cade has shown is not only does he have the stuff to pitch late in the games in the most meaningful moments, but he has the mentality.

"And when he's had moments of adversity when things haven't gone his way or the game hasn't gone our way, he's found that ability to move past it quickly and not let it affect the next one, which is — it sounds like that's an easy thing to do — but that can be really difficult. Cade has continued to demonstrate all of the attributes you'd see or you'd want to see in an elite closer."

Cleveland Guardians starter Gavin Williams throws a pitch against the Athletics on Sept. 20, 2026, in Cleveland.

Smith's performance Sunday came after Williams struck out nine through seven scoreless innings, and limited the A's to three hits and one walk.

"That was a huge performance by Gavin," Kwan said. "As an outfielder, it is kind of boring in a good way. It's just watching what he's doing up there. It's strike one. You can kind of see the panic in a lot of the hitters. It feels like they got to cover a bunch of different shapes and pitches. I think that's when he's at his best is when the hitters are feeling really uncomfortable. So, it's a lot of fun being out there when he's on a roll."

Vogt described Williams' outing as "unbelievable" and "efficient."

"Takes the ball, goes seven strong," Vogt said of Williams. "He did his job. He was outstanding yet again."

Smith lauded the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Williams for being "incredible to watch."

"He's got such good stuff," Smith said. "He's got so many weapons, and the way that he's pitching, he's working hitters, he's mixing lanes and heights and all this stuff. It's really impressive to watch."

Williams, 27, is 14-8 this season with a 3.63 ERA in 181 innings over 31 starts. He has walked 57 and has 244 strikeouts, which is tied with Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski (15-5, 1.86 ERA) for the most punchouts in Major League Baseball.

"Hitting's hard," said Williams, who picked off a baserunner Sunday for the fifth time this year. "When I throw [the ball] over the plate, I have a good chance of doing a lot of good things, and that was my biggest goal this year.

"I am feeling great. It's a good time of the year. Not stressing. Not doing anything different than what we've been doing. The clubhouse is fun."

Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal and is on Twitter at @MBeavenABJ .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cade Smith takes consistent, disciplined approach to mound for Guardians

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Cade Smith takes consistent, disciplined approach to mound for Guardians

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