Kolby Allard is back in Cleveland, and if last season taught us anything, it’s that his return shouldn’t fly under the radar this time.
The left-hander re-signed with the Guardians on a minor league deal that includes an invite to big league spring training. It’s a familiar path for Allard, who arrived last offseason as a quiet depth addition and didn’t make the Opening Day roster-but ended up playing a pivotal role when the Guardians’ bullpen needed him most.
With key relievers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz placed on paid leave during the season, Allard stepped in and delivered the best stretch of his career. Over 65 innings, he posted a 2.63 ERA-by far the most effective he's ever been at the major league level.
What made that performance stand out wasn’t overpowering velocity-his fastball averaged just 90.2 mph-but elite command and soft contact. Allard finished in the 92nd percentile in walk rate (5.3%), 87th percentile in barrel rate (5.7%), and 83rd percentile in hard-hit rate (35.9%). In short: he didn’t beat hitters with heat, he beat them with execution.
That kind of efficiency was a revelation for a pitcher whose career ERA sat at 5.34 entering the year. But something clearly clicked in Cleveland, and it’s no surprise the Guardians wanted another look.
Allard’s journey has been anything but linear. Drafted in the first round by Atlanta back in 2015, he debuted with the Braves three years later but was traded to Texas at the 2019 deadline.
After four seasons with the Rangers, he returned briefly to Atlanta in 2023 before landing with the Phillies. Cleveland picked him up on a minor league deal after that stint, and the rest is Guardians lore.
He got the call-up in late April and pitched in various roles over the next two months. When the Guardians needed a roster move after Luis Ortiz was placed on non-disciplinary leave, Allard was the odd man out. But he didn't stay down for long.
When he returned to the big league club later in the year, he saved his best for the final stretch. Over the last two months of the season, Allard logged 20 1/3 innings with a 2.66 ERA, helping stabilize a bullpen that was critical in Cleveland’s charge to the American League Central title.
Despite that strong finish, the Guardians cut ties with him after the season-likely a financial decision, as he was projected to earn $1.1 million in arbitration. But now he’s back in the fold, and given how thin bullpens can get over a 162-game season, don’t be surprised if Allard is one of the first arms called upon when the Guardians need reinforcements.
He may not light up the radar gun, but Kolby Allard showed last year that he can get outs when it matters. And in a league where bullpen depth is gold, that makes him a valuable piece for Cleveland heading into 2026.