Cody Allen, a late-inning savior for the Indians during his seven-year stint in Cleveland, is apparently hanging up his cleats. Though Allen has yet to make an official announcement (he’s not on social media), the Indians acknowledged his retirement Wednesday, congratulating the 32-year-old on a successful MLB career that spanned eight memorable seasons.
Selected in the 23rd round of the 2011 MLB Draft, Allen debuted in the majors a year later, making 27 appearances out of the Indians’ bullpen in 2012. The former High Point standout ascended to the closer role in 2014, maintaining his ninth-inning stronghold for five seasons. Allen earned six saves throughout the Indians’ postseason run in 2016, contributing 12 strikeouts over six shutout innings in that year’s World Series.
Unfortunately, Allen’s effectiveness waned as his fastball dipped from a peak velocity of 95.4 mph in 2013 to a career-worst 92.3 in 2019, his lone season as a Los Angeles Angel. Allen also spent time in the Twins, Rangers and Cubs organizations, but never cracked the big-league roster for those teams.
Though he was never selected for an All-Star team, the 6’1” right-hander still carved out a productive career, notching a respectable 3.14 ERA across 481 MLB relief appearances. Allen retires as Cleveland’s all-time leader in saves with 149, 10 clear of runner-up Bob Wickman. He also ranks fifth in club history with 456 games pitched. Thanks to his $32.7 million in career earnings, money shouldn't be much of a concern for Allen as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.
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