The Cleveland Guardians' improbable division comeback is something that'll be talked about for a long time. It's the MLB record for the largest division deficit to come back from to win the division.
After being down 15.5 games in July, the Guardians stormed all the way back, taking the division crown from the Detroit Tigers. Set to face those same Tigers in the first game of the Wild Card round, it's a chance to further add to the storybook comeback.
But, before the two teams face off, Major League Baseball announced some fitting Cade Smith news. After his efforts to help clinch the AL Central, Smith was named the AL Reliever of the Month for September.
Cade Smith named AL Reliever of the Month
The Guardians shared MLB's announcement on Twitter/X, which honors their new closer and highlights just how impressive this season has been for Cleveland.
Cade Smith has been named the American League Reliever of the Month for September. 🎉#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/nCkL5iphTb
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) September 30, 2025
Smith wasn't supposed to be in this spot. Emmanuel Clase, who posted a stunning 0.61 ERA in 2024, was the Guardians' closer for the first half of the year. But after a gambling investigation by MLB put Clase on indefinite leave, Smith had to take over.
And take over he did. While he got off to a shaky start in his new role, allowing four runs in his first outing since Clase's investigation, he turned things around to become one of the most dominant relievers in the time since.
From July 30th until the end of August, Smith had a 2.30 ERA in 15.1 innings pitched with six saves and two blown saves. He still wasn't at his best, but was still pitching like a strong closer in the Majors.
More: How one decision sparked the Guardians' incredible AL Central comeback
But in September, Smith took things to a new level. Across 13 innings pitched in 14 games, he had seven saves, only one blown save, and had a 2.77 ERA with a 0.98 FIP, 22 strikeouts, including key outings against the Tigers to secure the AL Central lead.
The new Guardians closer finished his 2025 season with a 2.93 ERA and 16 saves. After a dominant rookie year, with a 1.91 ERA in 75.1 innings pitched, Smith took a step back, but was still elite when it mattered most in the second half of 2025.
A few hours before the Guardians begin their Wild Card game against the Tigers, Smith was announced to be the AL Reliever of the Month for September. It's a well-deserved honor, as Smith was a huge reason for the Guardians making such an improbable comeback to not only make the playoffs, but to secure a home series as well.
More Guardians News:
- Guardians' Stephen Vogt cracks joke amid MLB approving ABS for 2026
- David Fry injury update: Latest news on Guardians first baseman after being hit in face by Tarik Skubal pitch
- Guardians have captured Cleveland’s hearts again — baseball sure is beautiful
- Guardians outfielder ruled out for season after surgery news