"Their bullpen is elite." - CC Sabathia says the league is wide open for the Guardians to have an impressive post-season run

In a recent interview, CC Sabathia stated the Cleveland Guardians' recent form could propel them into the postseason. Sabathia began his career with the Guardians, then known as the Cleveland Indians. He played seven and a half years for them, during which time he won the Cy Young award. Sabathia was inducted into the Cleveland Guardians Hall of Fame this past weekend.

The Guardians are having an exceptional 2024 campaign while sitting atop the American League Central standings. Their 66-42 record is currently the MLB's best. The AL mainstay hasn't started a season this hot since their AL title-winning effort in 1995.

During an interview with the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, Sabathia discussed what his Guardians Hall of Fame induction means to him (0:39):

"It's special. It's humbling. Getting drafted by this organization at 17 years old meant a lot. I don't think my career ends up the way it does had I not got drafted by this organization. They helped me go from an amateur boy to a professional man."

When asked if he thinks the Guardians can win the upcoming World Series, Sabathia insisted the team's quality batters and excellent bullpen could be the championship x-factor (5:40):

"I honestly do. I think the league is wide open, and the way these guys hit with power. Especially with the bullpen, the bullpen is elite, and I think that's what you need going down the [playoffs] stretch."

Sabathia also gave his thoughts about All-star closer Emmanuel Clase's outside Cy Young Award chances, (6:26):

"A closer having the type of season that Clase's having should definitely be considered. If there's no clearcut runaway winner for the Cy Young from a starter standpoint, which I don't really see outside of Skubal, I think you gotta give some consideration. If he pitches some big games down the stretch and some national games, the opinion might change."

Reasons why the Guardians currently have the best bullpen in baseball

Cleveland's outstanding bullpen is one reason for its MLB-best record. The trio of Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis, and Cade Smith has a 1.36 ERA in 151.3 innings pitched, striking out 160 batters.

MLB: JUL 23 Tigers at Guardians - Source: Getty

The star of the show, closer Emmanuel Clase, who recorded the 2024 All-Star game save, has been in fine form this season. Recording 33 saves this campaign, he has a 0.72 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 50.1 innings pitched.

Gaddis and Smith have also flourished as support to Clase. Gaddis, who originally struggled as a starting pitcher, has found his calling as a closer. The emerging bullpen ace currently boasts a 1.41 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 51 innings. Finally, Smith has been particularly k-happy, with 70 strikeouts in a mere 50.2 innings.

Coming down the stretch, Cleveland will rely on its bullpen to help make what is already an excellent Guardian's season one for the history books.