The Cleveland Guardians had to make a tough decision about Kolby Allard last season. They designated him for assignment, even though he had been the jack of all trades for Stephen Vogt’s team. Nevertheless, they still hold him in high regard.
That’s why, according to team insider Paul Hoynes, they could look to bring him back at some point in the offseason:
“The Guardians would love to bring him back if they had the opportunity,” Hoynes said. “Allard did everything they asked. He was a spot starter. He was a long guy. He was a short guy. He pitched in leverage situations. This guy just loved to pitch. And he really embraced being with the Guardians. I think if they could work a deal out, that would be a great addition.”
The 28-year-old entered the league as a first-round pick back in 2015. He was one of the Atlanta Braves’ highest-ranked prospects until they ultimately traded him to the Texas Rangers in 2019.
He returned to Atlanta in 2023 and then spent the 2024 campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies. Then, after struggling mightily in both of those places, the Guardians gave him a minor league deal.
Allard did pretty well in his time with the Guardians. He logged a 2.63 ERA in 65 innings, mostly playing in long relief. He doesn’t get many strikeouts, but he did well against the long ball and didn’t give up that much hard contact, two issues that used to haunt him in the earlier days of his pro career. The Guardians should be all set in terms of their starting rotation, but they can definitely use a couple of additional arms in the bullpen.
He’s already familiar with the team, and his ability to contribute in multiple situations, even as a spot starter, should make him a no-brainer potential pickup for Stephen Vogt and the front office this offseason.
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