Again, Cleveland is a small-market team in how they spend their money. Someone like Vogt needs to be in sync with the roster and front office. But not all teams can replace a Hall of Fame manager like Terry Francona and not see it impact the team’s play.
Since taking over, Vogt is 180-143 with a postseason series victory in two seasons. It’s still early into his managerial career, but it may be imperative that the Guardians keep him around.
Cade Smith Is No Fluke, and He Might Be the Best Reliever in Baseball
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 30: Cade Smith #36 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches during Game One of the American League Wild Card Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
If there could be a silver lining to what unfolded with Clase this year, it’s that the Guardians’ closer role will be just fine with Cade Smith running point.
His ERA jumped a full run from a season ago, going from 1.91 to 2.93, but everything under the hood remained elite. His strikeout and walk rates were negligible from a year ago, and he saved 16 games with 13 in the final two months of the season.
Since 2024, Smith has 5.4 fWAR, which is a full win higher than second-place Mason Miller. His 2.7 fWAR in 2025 ranked first among relievers as well, even eeking out Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman. He also ranked second in FIP (1.95), eighth in expected FIP (2.65), and tied for fifth in appearances (76).
It should come as no surprise, but the sheer dominance of his heater carried him this year. He threw it 69.9% of the time in 2025, holding opponents to a .170 batting average against. The splitter regressed from the success of his 2024, but it still generated a 38.5% whiff rate and 31.1% strikeout rate.