MLB · 1 year ago

Inside MLB’s Most Dominant Bullpen: Guardians Stellar 2024 Season

Sportsgrid Staff

Host · Writer

Bombastic Bullpen Numbers
The above chart just reinforces how good the core of this Cleveland bullpen has been all year.
Head of the Clase
Emmanuel Clase has reasserted himself as one of MLB's top relievers in 2024. After a challenging 2023, Clase boasts a remarkable 0.70 ERA over 38.1 innings, with only four walks and one home run allowed, leading the AL with 25 saves. His performance is crucial for the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians.

Clase isn't alone in the spotlight. The Guardians' bullpen is unmatched, leading MLB in ERA (2.34), K-BB% (19.1%), opponents' average (.191), WHIP (1.01), FIP (2.94), and HR/9 (0.55). This depth has been vital, especially with a starting rotation hit by injuries.

Manager Stephen Vogt has multiple reliable options, with eight relievers pitching over 15.0 innings and only two with an ERA above 3.00. This robust bullpen has been instrumental in the Guardians' resurgence, setting the stage for a potential deep playoff run. Let's highlight some key contributors driving this success.
Emmanuel Clase: Dominating with the Cutter
Cleveland's closer has taken his game to the next level this season by heavily relying on his 100-mph cutter. In previous years, Clase's cutter usage ranged between 60% and 69.2%, with his slider being used 29.8% to 38.1% of the time. However, in 2024, Clase has increased his cutter usage to 81.8%, while his slider usage has dropped to 18.3%. This approach, reminiscent of Mariano Rivera's "here it is, try and hit it" philosophy, has made it difficult for batters to make hard contact. While his cutter isn't generating high whiff or strikeout rates, Clase's command of the pitch limits the damage effectively.

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Hunter Gaddis: Simplifying and Excelling
In his third major league season, Hunter Gaddis has found success by simplifying his pitch arsenal. Initially mixing five pitches, Gaddis has reduced his repertoire to primarily his slider and fastball. This year, his slider usage has jumped to 43.7%, up from a previous high of 31.7%. The slider has yielded great results, holding batters to a .183 average and a .267 slugging percentage while generating a 35.2% whiff rate. Additionally, Gaddis' fastball velocity has increased by 2.3 mph, contributing to his improved performance. His ability to focus on fewer pitches and maximize their effectiveness has been crucial for the Guardians.

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Cade Smith: Striking Out the Competition
Cade Smith, an undrafted free agent signed in 2020, has made a significant impact in his first full season. Smith ranks seventh among AL relievers in strikeout rate (34.3%) and sixth in K-BB% (27.9%). His fastball, which he throws 67.8% of the time, has been his most valuable weapon. Averaging 95.7 mph, the pitch has a 26.2% whiff rate and has limited hitters to a .161 average and a .258 slugging percentage. Smith's ability to dominate with his fastball has been a key factor in his success and a major asset for the Guardians' bullpen.

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Tim Herrin: The Lefty Specialist
Tim Herrin has emerged as a crucial left-handed reliever for the Guardians. This season, he ranks third among lefty relievers in ERA (1.13) and sixth in batting average against (.164). Herrin has not allowed a home run this year, making him one of four pitchers to achieve this over at least 30 innings. Transitioning from a mix of pitches, Herrin now relies heavily on his curveball, which he throws 40.4% of the time. This pitch has held opponents to a .146 average and a .188 slugging percentage while generating a 36.6% whiff rate. Herrin's success against both righties and lefties has been pivotal for the Guardians, especially with fellow lefty Sam Hentges starting the season on the injured list.

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Guardians' Bullpen Depth
While Clase, Gaddis, Smith, and Herrin have been outstanding, the Guardians' bullpen depth is equally impressive. With additional arms like Scott Barlow, Pedro Avila, Nick Sandlin (currently on the IL), and Sam Hentges, the Guardians boast one of the most formidable late-game pitching staffs in MLB. Despite injuries to key players such as James Karinchak, Eli Morgan, and Trevor Stephan, Cleveland's bullpen remains a significant strength, providing a competitive edge in close games.
Bombastic Bullpen Numbers
The above chart just reinforces how good the core of this Cleveland bullpen has been all year.
Head of the Clase
Emmanuel Clase has reasserted himself as one of MLB's top relievers in 2024. After a challenging 2023, Clase boasts a remarkable 0.70 ERA over 38.1 innings, with only four walks and one home run allowed, leading the AL with 25 saves. His performance is crucial for the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians.

Clase isn't alone in the spotlight. The Guardians' bullpen is unmatched, leading MLB in ERA (2.34), K-BB% (19.1%), opponents' average (.191), WHIP (1.01), FIP (2.94), and HR/9 (0.55). This depth has been vital, especially with a starting rotation hit by injuries.

Manager Stephen Vogt has multiple reliable options, with eight relievers pitching over 15.0 innings and only two with an ERA above 3.00. This robust bullpen has been instrumental in the Guardians' resurgence, setting the stage for a potential deep playoff run. Let's highlight some key contributors driving this success.

Inside MLB’s Most Dominant Bullpen: Guardians Stellar 2024 Season

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