Guardians Bring Back Kolby Allard on Minor League Deal With Spring Invite

The left-hander returns on a non-roster pact after a low-ERA 2025 that advanced metrics suggested outpaced his underlying indicators.

Overview

Cleveland announced the agreement Monday, confirming a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training.
Allard worked 65 innings over 33 appearances across two stints last season, striking out 42 and serving mostly in long relief with two spot starts.
He was outrighted off the 40-man roster after the season and elected free agency, then re-signed without taking a roster spot, and his service time allows him to refuse future minor league assignments if recalled.
Analytical models cited by MLB Trade Rumors were less bullish than his ERA, with figures such as FIP and SIERA pointing to potential regression.
He will compete for a low-leverage bullpen role in camp alongside fellow invitees and roster hopefuls including Pedro Avila, Codi Heuer, Peyton Pallette and Connor Brogdon.