Home / Sports / Cade Smith's Unicorn Pitch Steals the Show
Cade Smith's Unicorn Pitch Steals the Show
16 Jun
Summary
- Cade Smith's splitter is a rare, low-spin pitch.
- His splitter has seen significant improvement in drop.
- The splitter complements his elite fastball effectively.
Guardians pitcher Cade Smith is leveraging an exceptional splitter to maintain his elite status in 2026. While his signature fastball, noted for its elite extension and run value, has seen a statistical downturn this season, his splitter has seen significant development.
This splitter is particularly unique, characterized by its exceptionally low spin rate of 583 rpm, second only to a knuckleball in 2026. It also exhibits a remarkable drop of 42.2 inches, second in the majors, and has increased by over eight inches in the last two seasons. Smith has worked to make this pitch more controllable and executable, enhancing its separation from his fastball.
The combination of his high-carry fastball and the splitter's dramatic downward movement creates a challenging scenario for hitters. This effectiveness is reflected in his 2.48 ERA and league-leading 23 saves, positioning him as a strong candidate for the All-Star Game.
