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Does Cade Smith Have Buy-Low Appeal Amid Slow Start to 2026?
Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith has gotten off to a bit of a slow start to the 2026 season, as he's pitched to a 4.50 ERA and 1.42 WHIP across his first 12 appearances (12 innings). Smith's strikeout rate is down from 34.7% to 28.3%, while his walk rate is up from 6.3% to 7.5%. However, Smith still has five saves and does not appear to be in danger of losing the ninth-inning role in Cleveland. The 26-year-old was one of the best relievers in baseball in 2025, when he posted an 8-5 record with a 2.93 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 104 strikeouts, 16 saves, and 19 holds across 73 2/3 innings. His struggles so far in 2026 might be attributable to poor luck, as opponents currently own an elevated .364 batting average on balls in play against him. Given Smith's history of dominance, he could be a worthy buy-low candidate for fantasy managers to target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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