Cleveland Guardians right-handed pitcher Cade Smith is emerging as a key fantasy asset with the opening of the closer role following Emmanuel Clase’s indefinite leave amid an MLB sports-betting investigation. Smith, who has shown impressive performance since his debut, now has an opportunity to secure saves for the Guardians, a development fantasy managers are closely watching.
Before Clase’s departure was announced on Monday, Smith had put up solid numbers including eight wins, four saves, a 2.33 ERA, and a 1.01 WHIP over 120 innings since the start of the 2024 season. He also led relief pitchers in fWAR during that stretch and ranked eighth in strikeout rate at 35.1%. His fantasy ownership on ESPN leagues rose quickly from 17.3% to 20.8% following the news.
Analysis of Smith’s Early Performance and Team Bullpen Strength
Though Smith struggled in Monday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies—allowing four runs in a 5-4 lead and contributing an error that led to the tying run—his overall track record provides hope for improvement. After Smith left that game, RHP Hunter Gaddis also gave up runs, underscoring the bullpen challenges despite the Guardians maintaining a top 10 ranking in MLB for bullpen fWAR, ERA, and strikeout rate.
With Emmanuel Clase sidelined, Smith is the top candidate to assume closing duties. Clase, who had sprouted as one of the premier relievers with a streak of 40-plus save seasons, has struggled this year with a career-worst 3.23 ERA and diminishing strikeout rates. The ongoing investigation may prevent Clase from pitching for the remainder of the 2025 campaign, making Smith a reliable option for fantasy owners in redraft leagues.
Upcoming MLB Trade Deadline Could Shift Bullpen Landscapes
The MLB trade deadline approaching Thursday at 6 p.m. ET may bring further roster movement among relievers, affecting fantasy strategies. Contenders like the Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates are likely targeting proven relief arms such as Jhoan Duran, Ryan Helsley, and David Bednar to bolster late-inning options.
Before the investigation, the Guardians might have considered trading Clase, but with his absence, they could also entertain offers for Smith and Gaddis as part of a longer-term team strategy. Other franchises including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Detroit Tigers are also in uncertain positions regarding their bullpens, increasing speculation about reliever transfers.
Relievers such as Washington Nationals’ Kyle Finnegan, Atlanta Braves’ Raisel Iglesias, and Tampa Bay Rays’ Pete Fairbanks have had inconsistent seasons but could still have value depending on trade outcomes.
Relievers Gaining Value: Insights on Rising Bullpen Stocks
Several relief pitchers have seen their fantasy stock rise notably over recent weeks, with outstanding performances enhancing their appeal:
Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets has been exceptional this season, bouncing back from a 3.52 ERA in 2024 after recovering from ACL surgery. His recent stretch features a 0.29 ERA over more than 30 innings and 44 strikeouts, making him one of the top fantasy relievers behind Houston Astros’ Josh Hader.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Kevin Ginkel has seized opportunities amid bullpen injuries, compiling a 2.13 ERA over his past 13 games. Despite his overall poor season numbers, Ginkel’s recent form and save chances offer potential for fantasy managers seeking saves.
Kenley Jansen with the Los Angeles Angels also merits attention, as he has not allowed an earned run in six weeks and is tracking to his first 30-save season since 2022. Although rostered in just over a quarter of leagues, his consistent effectiveness keeps him as an underrated fantasy asset.
Relievers Facing Challenges and Declining Fantasy Appeal
Not all relief pitchers have held steady this season. Felix Bautista of the Baltimore Orioles, despite a strong return from Tommy John surgery in 2023, has been sidelined again due to shoulder inflammation. With the Orioles struggling and Bautista’s uncertain availability, Seranthony Dominguez has emerged as the likely closer, though his role could shift if Baltimore remains out of contention.
Tanner Scott of the Los Angeles Dodgers, after hitting the injured list with elbow inflammation, may face an unclear path back to closing duties if the team‘s bullpen depth increases at the deadline. His 4.14 ERA and seven blown saves fall short of preseason expectations for a top 10 relief pitcher.
Detroit Tigers’ Tommy Kahnle experienced a sharp decline following a strong first half of the season. After a disastrous outing in mid-July resulted in multiple earned runs and subsequent struggles, Kahnle’s ERA rose to 4.71 with limited strikeouts across recent appearances, highlighting the volatility that often affects late-inning relievers.
What to Expect for Cade Smith and Fantasy Managers Moving Forward
Cade Smith’s potential jump to primary closer for the Guardians places him in an important role that can significantly impact fantasy leagues this season. With Clase’s uncertain status, Smith has the opportunity to be a reliable source of saves, run prevention, and strikeouts — crucial categories for fantasy owners seeking stable bullpen production.
The Guardians’ strong bullpen foundation and Smith’s promising metrics suggest improved performances ahead, despite the occasional shaky game. Managers should monitor his usage closely as the team adjusts, especially with the trade deadline imminent and roster changes likely across the league.
This shakeup also underscores the larger theme of fluidity in bullpen roles around MLB, as teams balance health, performance, and trades. Relievers who can seize opportunities, like Smith, Edwin Diaz, or Kevin Ginkel, stand to boost their fantasy value amid a volatile relief pitching landscape.