Skip to content 
CLEVELAND — It’s hard to imagine Cade Smith’s first full season as the Guardians’ closer. The recognition he received along the way was only fitting.
Smith, who finished second in the voting for the first-ever MLB All-Star’s first American League of the Year Award, earned another award 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 on the Second Team by Rays closer Bryan Baker, while Mason Miller of the Padres and Louis Varland of the Blue Jays earned First Team nods.
The All-MLB Team was introduced in 2019 to honor the contributions of players for the entire regular season, while the All-Star nods only to the first half. Fans are responsible for 50 percent of the voting, with the other half being a panel of experts.
Smith first assumed the Guardians’ closer role in July 2025 after Emmanuel Clase was placed on leave. Already known as one of the most feared top relievers in baseball, the 27-year-old solidified himself as one of the best players in the game in ’26.
Smith converted all but five of his regular season opportunities (41) to finish tied with Baker for the Major League lead. He became the seventh pitcher in Cleveland franchise history to reach the 40-save milestone, joining Doug Jones (1990), Jose Mesa (’95), Mike Jackson (’98), Bob Wickman (2005), Joe Borowski (’07) and Clase (2022-24).
Smith additionally had a 1.95 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 74 innings pitched in 69 games. He set a career high with 107 strikeouts, which led American League relievers and was third among all relievers.
“He gives you a really good feeling when he comes into the game,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said in September. “There is no one more prepared. He is more physically and mentally prepared than anyone on the pitch and you feel very good about giving him the ball in the ninth minute. [inning].
“It’s a luxury. It’s a blessing to have him on our team.”
Smith was named the American League Reliever of the Month for May and September. In his first, he went 13-for-13 in save opportunities while posting a 1.32 ERA in 13 appearances with 25 strikeouts and one walk in 13 2/3 innings.
Smith went 6-for-6 in save opportunities in September while allowing no runs in 13 innings in 11 appearances. He struck out 21 with two walks to help the Guardians win the AL Central title.
More often than not last season, Smith was the epitome of excellence for Cleveland. As unfair as it is, you can’t blame anyone, not even his teammates, for expecting it when he takes the ball.
“It’s probably very unfair to us, but yeah,” Guardians reliever Eric Sabrowski said during the AL Championship Series. “He’s good, plain and simple. He’s really, really good.”