Smith’s 1st season as closer comes complete with All-MLB honors

CLEVELAND -- It’s hard to imagine Cade Smith’s first full season as the Guardians’ closer going much better than it did. The recognition he’s received along the way has only been fitting.

A first-time MLB All-Star who finished second in voting for the inaugural American League Reliever of the Year Award, Smith has gained another accolade for his work this past season.

Smith earned his first career All-MLB Team selection on Wednesday during the 2026 MLB Awards show presented by MGM Rewards in Las Vegas. He was joined by Rays closer Bryan Baker on the Second Team, while the Padres’ Mason Miller and the Blue Jays’ Louis Varland earned First-Team nods.

The All-MLB Team was introduced in 2019 as a way to honor players’ contributions for the entire regular season, whereas an All-Star nod accounts for just the first half. Fans are responsible for 50 percent of the voting, with a panel of experts accounting for the other half.

Smith first assumed the Guardians’ closer role in July 2025 after Emmanuel Clase was placed on leave. Already known as one of the most fearsome high-leverage relievers in baseball, the 27-year-old solidified himself as one of the game’s top closers in ‘26.

Smith finished tied with Baker for the Major League lead in saves (41), converting all but five of his regular-season opportunities. He became the seventh pitcher in Cleveland franchise history to reach the 40-save benchmark, joining Doug Jones (1990), Jose Mesa (‘95), Mike Jackson (‘98), Bob Wickman (2005), Joe Borowski (‘07) and Clase (2022-24).

Smith additionally logged a 1.95 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP in 74 innings over 69 appearances. He set a new career high with 107 strikeouts, which also led American League relievers and ranked tied for third among all relievers.

“He gives you a really good feeling when he's coming into the game,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said in September. “There's nobody more prepared. He's more physically and mentally prepared than anybody out on the field, and you feel really good giving him the ball in the ninth [inning].

“It's a luxury. It's a blessing to have him on our team.”

His usage expanded beyond the ninth inning, too. Smith pitched more than one inning in 13 appearances. Memorably, he struck out five batters over two scoreless innings on Sept. 6 to help the Guardians beat the Tigers, 3-2, in 10 innings.

Smith was named the American League Reliever of the Month in May and September. In the former, he went 13-for-13 in save opportunities, while logging a 1.32 ERA with 25 strikeouts and one walk in 13 2/3 innings over 13 appearances.

Smith went 6-for-6 in save opportunities in September, when he did not allow a run in 13 innings over 11 appearances. He racked up 21 strikeouts with two walks to help the Guardians win the AL Central title.

More often than not this past season, Smith was a symbol of perfection for Cleveland. Unfair as it may be, you can’t blame anyone -- even his teammates -- for expecting that whenever he took the ball.

“It's probably very unfair of us, but yes,” Guardians reliever Erik Sabrowski said during the AL Championship Series. “He’s good, plain and simple. He’s really freaking good.”