The Cleveland Guardians have officially signed left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard to a minor league contract. As part of the deal, Allard, who is represented by Excel Sports Management, will receive an invitation to major league spring training, where he will compete as a non-roster invitee. This move adds pitching depth to the Guardians’ camp as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Allard’s MLB Experience and 2024 Performance
Allard, 27, has played in the major leagues for seven seasons, primarily filling a role as a swingman or depth starter. In 2024, he signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. During his time with the Phillies, Allard made seven appearances, including four starts and three relief outings. In those 27 innings, he posted a 5.00 ERA after allowing 15 earned runs. Despite his moderate performance, Allard was a versatile option for the Phillies throughout the season.
Though the Phillies could have retained Allard via arbitration, they decided to outright him off the roster after he exhausted his final option year in 2024. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected a slight salary increase for Allard to around $1.1 million, but the team opted not to keep him. After being outrighted, Allard elected free agency, which allowed him to sign with the Guardians. Over his career, Allard has thrown 272 major league innings, with a 5.99 ERA, an 18.9% strikeout rate, and a 7.7% walk rate.
Guardians’ Starting Rotation Struggles in 2024
While the Guardians had the best bullpen in baseball last season, their starting rotation faced significant challenges. Heading into 2025, the projected starting rotation includes Tanner Bibee, Ben Lively, Gavin Williams, Luis Ortiz, Triston McKenzie, and Slade Cecconi. Bibee is considered a solid option, but the others present uncertainties. Lively posted a decent 3.81 ERA in 2024 but struggled with a low strikeout rate, while Cecconi, Ortiz, and McKenzie have shown flashes of potential but lacked consistency. Williams also battled injuries, which affected his performance last year.
Given the questions surrounding their starting rotation, the Guardians’ decision to sign Allard provides additional depth. Although Allard no longer has options left, making it difficult for him to secure a roster spot, the Guardians’ rotation is not yet fully established. This uncertainty presents a potential path for Allard to make his way back to the major leagues if he performs well during spring training and competes for a spot in the rotation.