How Guardians’ Cade Smith deals with pitching in brutal October cold weather appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When one looks at Cade Smith’s elite numbers or his stoic facial expressions, they might assume that nothing can bring down the first-class Cleveland Guardians closer. Even the cold weather is not slowing him down, as he posted a perfect 1 1/3 innings of work to clinch Game 3 of the American League Championship Series in Progressive Field. A native of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Smith is supposed to be inherently immune to the fall frost. Right?
It is not that simple. The All-Star right-hander relies on heaters in the bullpen and pure adrenaline to brave the elements in the later stages of the MLB playoffs. He is grateful to undertake that challenge, however.
“Someone else told me this in 2024, they said that playing in the cold at the start of the year it sucks, it’s an obligation. Playing in the cold at the end of the year is a privilege,” Smith told the MLB on TBS crew during a rain delay that turned into a postponement on Friday night.
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"Playing in the cold at the end of the year is a privilege."
Cade Smith talks with @cgrand3 on preparing for Game 4 during a rain delay 😤 pic.twitter.com/qx6TpUy9aP
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) October 17, 2026
As if this guy was not already impressive enough. He just dropped one heck of a perspective, which should hit hard for all big-leaguers who are chasing a World Series championship. Cade Smith and the Guardians are only two wins away from capturing the Pennant and securing their spot in the Fall Classic.
Two-time reigning AL Manager of the Year Stephen Vogt is trusting his bullpen, as per usual, and No. 36 is the face of that operation. Smith posted a fantastic 1.95 ERA, 107 strikeouts and 0.959 WHIP in 74 innings during the regular season, and he has surrendered only one run in nine playoff innings this year. If Cleveland is going to build on its 2-1 series lead over the Tampa Bay Rays, that dominance will likely have to continue.
Smith should be well-rested, as Cleveland and Tampa clash in a makeup Game 4 on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Related: Has Game 4 postponement changed Stephen Vogt’s Game 4 Guardians pitching plan?
Related: Rays-Guardians Game 4 officially postponed due to weather