Strong relief pitching was a key ingredient to the Cleveland Guardians’ success last season.

Fortunately, the cupboard is fully stocked for 2025, as the Guardians will need to rely on their relievers again.

Starting pitching is so expensive that Cleveland’s best bet is to wait for Shane Bieber to return from injury.

However, Cleveland scored many victories last year by simply surviving to the seventh inning and turning the game over to the bullpen.

THE CLOSER

Emmanuel Clase was a Cy Young Award contender last year, racking up 47 saves. He only gave up five earned runs all season for a microscopic 0.61 ERA.

Clase can’t be expected to replicate those numbers, and he was hit hard in the postseason. If he falters, the Guardians have three more closer candidates.

MIDDLE RELIEVERS

Right-hander Cade Smith had a stellar rookie season, posting a 1.91 ERA in 74 appearances. He has an overpowering fastball that would help him excel as a closer.

Hunter Gaddis often pitched the eighth inning after Smith handled the seventh. He had a 1.57 ERA in 78 appearances.

The Guardians picked up an insurance policy by adding Paul Sewald to the bullpen crew. He saved 70 games in the last three seasons with Seattle and Arizona.

LONG RELIEVERS

Tim Herrin quietly had an outstanding season, with 1.92 ERA in 75 appearances. He could move up the bullpen ladder in case of an injury.

Andrew Walters and Erik Sabrowski got late call-ups from the minors and didn’t surrender any earned runs in their 17 combined appearances.

Left-hander Sam Hentges and right-hander Trevor Stephan will try to bounce back from injuries to contribute to the bullpen mix. Stephan missed the entire 2024 season.