Smith secured the save Thursday against the Twins, throwing a clean ninth inning. He struck out two.
With Thursday's save, the 27-year-old right-hander moved in front of Bryan Baker for the major-league lead. Cade Smith has flourished as Cleveland's full-time closer in 2026, posting a 2.76 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 61:11 K:BB with 27 saves in 30 attempts over 42.1 innings. Smith has yet to allow a hit across four outings in July so far.