Dodgers Named Best Fit for Guardians' Cade Smith by MLB Insider Jeff Passan

Dodgers Named Best Fit for Guardians' Cade Smith by MLB Insider Jeff Passan originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

As the MLB trade deadline is almost a week away, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to scour the market for reliever help. With the plethora of injuries to the bullpen and the struggles of the veteran relievers, it's a big need.

For ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, there is a player who is the best fit for the Dodgers at the trade deadline. That player is a right-handed reliever from the Cleveland Guardians, but it's not Emmanuel Clase. It's Cade Smith.

"That brings us to Smith." Passan wrote. "The 26-year-old right-hander's 3.21 ERA is misleading; he has struck out 63 in 42 innings and given up only two home runs."

Smith has a 3.21 ERA this season, but in 2024, he was incredible. He had a 1.91 ERA in 75.1 innings pitched with 103 strikeouts and 17 walks. His 213 ERA+ was an incredible mark.

But, he's been in the shadow of Clase in Cleveland, as Clase in 2024 had a 0.61 ERA and a 674 ERA+ in 74.1 innings pitched. He went one less inning than Smith, but had one of the best reliever seasons of this century.

Smith has been on the back burner due to all the attention Clase brings, but for the Dodgers, he makes the most sense and is their top trade target in Passan's view.

"He is a throwback," Passan added. "Hurling almost 70% fastballs and not just getting away with it but thriving because of it. And with the Dodgers' bullpen full of unknowns, he is the sort manager Dave Roberts can deploy at any point in the game with great efficacy."

Smith is a dominant right-handed reliever who could become the Dodgers' closer if they could land him in a trade. But, he's not just a rental. As Passan mentions, "Added bonus: He comes with an additional four years of club control."

The 26-year-old is a cheaper, younger, and more controllable reliever than Clase. While he doesn't have the resume, Smith is still someone the Dodgers could go after.

With a dire need in the bullpen, the Dodgers' trading for Smith makes a lot of sense. He'll cost a lot, but to bring in a reliever for the next four years with his peripherals would be a no-brainer if the Dodgers can pull it off.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.