The Cleveland Guardians liked having Kolby Allard as part of their organization. That was made clear by the machinations they went through earlier this season to keep the reliever on board.
However, Allard may not have liked it as much, at least not recently. After being sent down to the minors in mid-April, the 28-year-old left-hander has decided to try his luck somewhere else.
According to analyst Cade Cracas, the former Guardians pitcher has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
“The Phillies have signed left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard. Allard pitched for both the Guardians’ major league and Triple-A rosters,” Cracas posted.
The Phillies have signed left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard.
Allard pitched for both the #Guardians’ major league and Triple-A rosters.#GuardsBall
— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) June 18, 2026
Allard opted out of his contract with Cleveland and reportedly agreed to a minor league deal to rejoin Philadelphia, where he pitched in the 2024 season. That may not put him anywhere closer to getting back into the majors, at least not yet, but perhaps he felt his chances were better with the Phillies.
After re-signing during the offseason, Allard appeared in four major league games out of the bullpen to begin the campaign. Cleveland designated him for assignment on April 13, he was sent to Columbus on April 16, and then signed a new minor league contract the next day. He was released on May 17, but stayed with Columbus until his final appearance on June 14.
Allard was used as a starter and a reliever in Triple-A. In eight appearances with five starts for Columbus, he was 2-0 with a 4.11 ERA in 30.2 innings, allowing 26 hits with 28 strikeouts.
The Phillies may be looking at him as a potential back-of-the-rotation starter, which is an opportunity he was unlikely to get with the Guardians. He made two starts for Cleveland in 33 appearances last season, which was his first year with the team. He had an impressive 2.63 ERA in 65.0 innings, with 42 strikeouts and just 14 walks. This season, he did not fare as well, with a 10.38 ERA in 8.2 innings over four relief appearances.
It will be interesting to see if Allard is promoted by the Phillies anytime soon, or if he somehow winds up back with the Guardians before his career is over.
NEXT: Travis Bazzana Makes Honest Admission About Guardians Recent Struggles
