Mets legend explains Devin Williams, Cade Smith's top spots in MLB's relief pitcher rankings

The importance of relief pitchers in today’s MLB cannot be overstated. Gone are the days when starters regularly pitched more than 200 innings in a season. Even AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal threw just 192 innings last year. With the rise of pitching analytics, the reliance on relievers has grown significantly, leading to increased bullpen usage in recent years.

In a recent episode of Top 10 Right Now on the MLB Network, analysts Brian Kenny and Mets legend Ron Darling discussed the most outstanding relievers of the 2024 season. The list was headlined by Devin Williams and Cade Smith.

The duo discussed why closer Devin Williams earned the top spot, even though he missed four months of the 2024 season due to back issues.

"The consistency of the greatness he's shown early in his career is why he's here," Darling said. "He's had one of the best changeups I've seen in quite some time." (0:03 onwards)

After losing Clay Holmes to the New York Mets, the Yankees quickly acquired Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade that sent Nestor Cortes Jr. and Caleb Durbin to Milwaukee.

In 22 appearances for the Yankees, Williams recorded 14 saves and posted a 1.25 ERA across 21 2/3 innings pitched. Since 2022, he has led all MLB relievers in ERA (1.66), FIP (2.29) and opponent xwOBA (.236). He also ranks second in strikeout percentage (39.5%).

For his dominance, Williams has been named a two-time All-Star and has won the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award twice.

Guardians reliever Cade Smith's surprise finish in MLB reliever ranking

Cleveland Guardians reliever Cade Smith surprised many by not only making MLB Network’s Top 10 relievers list but also finishing as the runner-up behind two-time All-Star Devin Williams.

"Occasionally, there happens to be a pitcher that has a stellar rookie season that he deserves to be put high in the list," Darling stated.

Smith, a relatively low-profile name, made his MLB debut in 2024 and quickly established himself as a key piece in the Guardians’ bullpen, which has long been known for developing premier pitching talent.

In 74 appearances, Smith posted a 6-1 record with a 1.91 ERA and 103 strikeouts across 75 1/3 innings. He carried his strong regular-season form into the postseason, delivering a standout performance in the ALDS. Smith allowed just one run over 6 1/3 innings as the Guardians defeated the Detroit Tigers in five games.