Canadian Cade Smith named American League Reliever of the Month

June 4, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Cooperstowners in Canada

Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.) has been named American League Reliever of the Month for May.

The announcement was made on the MLB Network on Wednesday. San Diego Padres fireballer Mason Miller took home the National League honour.

This was Smith’s second time winning the award. He was also honoured last September.

The 27-year-old Smith was dominant for the Guardians in May, notching a save in each of his 13 appearances and finishing the month with a 1.32 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings. He issued just one walk, had a 0.73 WHIP and opponents batted just .184 against him.

Major League Baseball noted in their release that Smith’s “13 saves, 50.0 strikeout percentage and 25.00 strikeout to walk ratio led all qualified relievers.” No other American League reliever had more than nine saves in May.

Also last month, Smith became the first pitcher in Guardians’ history to record 13 consecutive saves in a calendar month. He also joined Doug Jones, José Mesa and Bob Wickman as the only Guardians’ closers to record a save in 13 consecutive appearances.

According to MLB.com, Smith is just the sixth reliever in MLB history with 20-or-more saves and 40-or-more strikeouts in his team’s first 60 games.

The 6-foot-5 Smith has continued his strong pitching in June. He recorded his 21st save of the season in the Guardians’ 5-4 win over the Yankees yesterday at Yankee Stadium.

Overall, Smith has recorded a save in each of his last 16 relief appearances.

The Chilliwack Cougars and Junior National Team grad is in his third MLB season after being signed as an amateur free agent by the Guardians in 2020.

Last season, Smith took over as the Guardians’ closer in late July and finished with 16 saves, which was the most by a Canadian major leaguer.