Smith welcomes the pressure as key piece in Guardians' bullpen

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- In an alternate universe, Cade Smith’s everyday uniform may have included a white lab coat. Before he established himself as a dominant reliever in the Guardians’ bullpen, the right-hander contemplated pursuing a career in medicine.

Smith majored in biology at the University of Hawaii -- and even earned the award for the top GPA among all male student-athletes -- and becoming an eye surgeon was one potential career path that crossed his mind. His interest in that realm dated back to middle school, when his class studied the eye around the same time his father, Tim, underwent laser eye surgery.

“My rough plan was that if baseball hadn't worked out, that I would get my degree and try to go on to med school,” Smith said, “And just see if there was going to be something along the way that I would stumble into and end up being really good at.”

The family and professional life balance of a laser eye surgeon's career appealed to Smith. Procedures also involve using machines, so the 26-year-old (who noted he has large hands) would not have to worry about nimble elements such as giving stitches.

Baseball, ultimately, has worked out quite well for Smith, which essentially made his decision for him. But that potential alternate reality is another example of him having the necessary temperament to thrive in the high-leverage moments -- which he has consistently pitched in during his career and will continue to do so in 2026.

“The dude's not afraid to operate on someone's eye,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “He's probably not going to be afraid of getting three outs at the end of a game, because I know I wouldn't have the confidence to operate on anybody's eye.”

The difference this year is that Smith is expected to get the bulk of the Guardians’ ninth-inning and save opportunities. It’s a role he was elevated into in 2025, after closer Emmanuel Clase went on non-disciplinary paid leave on July 28. From that point on, Smith converted 13 of his 17 save opportunities and logged a 2.79 ERA and a 1.76 FIP in 29 innings over 30 appearances.

Smith acknowledged there was an adjustment period after the Clase development, which, for him, included a blown save on July 28. That was the reality for Cleveland’s entire bullpen; everyone had to band together to fill the void. But they were able to come together to, ultimately, lead the Majors with a 2.92 ERA from July 28 through the end of the regular season.

“All of a sudden, we have this event happen, and we have to decide how we're going to respond to it,” Smith said. “Every single guy in the bullpen pitched in and held together. It's a team within the team. It's a tight-knit group. It's been so much fun the last few years to be down there, and that played a big role in how we banded together to handle that shake-up.”

• Breaking down the Guardians' 'pen ahead of the 2026 season

Smith has been one of the best relievers in MLB the past two seasons. Since his debut on March 30, 2024, he’s logged a 2.42 ERA, which ranks eighth out of 107 pitchers who have thrown 100-plus innings in relief. But he’s not taking any of his past success for granted.

Smith noted there’s still work to be done. He knows he must remain consistent and diligent to be trusted with the opportunities he has earned to this point.

“I'm not taking it for granted that I'm solidified on the team,” Smith said. “But if they call me in certain situations more meaningful than in my rookie year, I'm happy to step up and happy to go out and perform, knowing that the work that I've done has prepared me for that, and also understanding that it's an honor to actually be asked to pitch in those situations.”

Smith is asked to pitch in those situations because he has the stuff and demeanor for it. He pointed to his faith as to why he’s able to stay so composed in high-wire situations. Whether he has a good or bad performance, it doesn’t change who he is or his identity. Through that, he can trust his work and abilities when he takes the mound and just have fun competing.

Post-baseball, perhaps Smith will follow a path within medicine. That would obviously depend on what the rest of his career looks like and how long it spans. But the door isn’t closed.

For now, Smith will be the calming presence the Guardians need anchoring their bullpen.

“He's a calculated, calm person,” Vogt said. “He's very easy-going. He just never spikes. I’ve never really seen him fluctuate. He speaks the same after a good outing as a bad outing. He's so dialed in on his routines. He's just a consistent human being.”