📰 NEWS FLASH: The Guardians’ reunion buzz is back, with a versatile pitcher linked to a return that could rewrite a decision Cleveland once had to live with ⚡.NL
Kolby Allard might not have been a headline name for the Guardians last season, but inside that clubhouse, his value didn’t go unnoticed. He was the kind of pitcher every manager quietly appreciates – the guy who says yes to every role, takes the ball without complaint, and gives you a chance to win. And while Cleveland had to make a tough call in designating him for assignment, there’s still a strong sense that his time with the team isn’t necessarily over.
According to team insider Paul Hoynes, the Guardians would welcome a reunion.
“Allard did everything they asked,” Hoynes noted. “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.”
That kind of versatility is gold in today’s game – especially for a team like Cleveland that leans heavily on pitching depth. Allard, 28, came into the league with plenty of promise.
A first-round pick back in 2015, he was once one of the Braves’ top prospects. After a trade to Texas in 2019 and a brief return to Atlanta in 2023, he landed with the Phillies before Cleveland picked him up on a minor league deal.
And while his stints in Atlanta and Philly didn’t go as planned, he found something with the Guardians. In 65 innings – mostly in long relief – Allard posted a 2.63 ERA, a sharp contrast to his earlier struggles.
He wasn’t overpowering by any stretch, but he kept the ball in the yard, limited hard contact, and proved he could handle multiple roles. That’s a big leap for a pitcher who once struggled with both command and consistency.
What stood out most was how well he adapted to the Guardians’ pitching culture. This is a team that thrives on maximizing arms, finding value in overlooked places, and turning question marks into contributors.
Allard fit that mold perfectly. He embraced the organization, and they appreciated the way he went about his business.
Cleveland’s rotation looks set heading into 2025 – they’ve got their frontline starters and a solid structure in place. But the bullpen?
That’s where a guy like Allard could make a real impact. Whether it’s eating innings in a blowout, bridging the gap in tight games, or stepping into a spot start, he’s shown he can do it all without disrupting the flow.
And at this point in his career, Allard seems to understand exactly who he is as a pitcher. He’s not chasing strikeout titles.
He’s not trying to be a top-of-the-rotation guy. He’s focused on getting outs, keeping runs off the board, and doing whatever the team needs.
That mindset – combined with his familiarity with the Guardians’ system – makes him a strong candidate for a return. If the front office can work something out, it’s a move that would make a lot of sense.
He’s already proven he can handle the job. Now it’s just a matter of whether the opportunity lines up again.
For a team that values flexibility, durability, and pitching depth, bringing Kolby Allard back into the fold might be one of the offseason’s quiet wins.
