Cody Allen

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #4 prospect in 2013
  There was little hype when the Indians signed Allen out of mid-major High Point for $40,000 as a 23rd-round pick in 2011. His stuff kicked into a higher gear in 2012, when he made his major league debut in July to become the second-fastest 2011 draftee to reach the majors, behind only No. 3 overall pick Trevor Bauer. Allen had Tommy John surgery and was a starter in college, but his fastball velocity spiked when he became a reliever in pro ball. An 88-92 mph guy who touched 94 in college, he now sits at 94-96 mph and hits 97 with late life. His mid-80s breaking ball is a plus pitch with plenty of depth, resembling a curveball more than a slider. He's still learning how to command his breaking ball in the strike zone, but it can miss bats against both lefties and righties. Allen's increased velocity has dramatically changed his outlook, improving his profile to that of a late-inning reliever. His stuff is on par with current Cleveland closer Chris Perez, and Allen could take his job in the near future.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked International League #13 prospect in 2012
  The second-fastest 2011 draftee to reach the majors, Allen was taken 22 rounds after the Diamondbacks' Trevor Bauer, who beat him to the big leagues by 22 days. Unlike Bauer, Allen stuck around, finding a home in Cleveland's bullpen and exhausting his prospect eligibility. A starter in college and a Tommy John surgery alumnus, Allen gave up a run in only one of his last 13 IL appearances. He simply overpowered Triple-A hitters with a fastball that maxed out at 94 mph in college but now sits at 95-97. His fastball has life through the strike zone, and he has extreme confidence in the pitch. Allen's 85-86 mph breaking ball is also a plus pitch at times, featuring plenty of depth. He needs to improve his ability to throw his breaker for strikes, however.

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: There was little hype when the Indians signed Allen out of mid-major High Point for $40,000 as a 23rd-round pick in 2011. His stuff kicked into a higher gear in 2012, when he made his major league debut in July to become the second-fastest 2011 draftee to reach the majors, behind only No. 3 overall pick Trevor Bauer. Scouting Report: Allen had Tommy John surgery and was a starter in college, but his fastball velocity spiked when he became a reliever in pro ball. An 88-92 mph guy who touched 94 in college, he now sits at 94-96 mph and hits 97 with late life. His mid-80s breaking ball is a plus pitch with plenty of depth, resembling a curveball more than a slider. He's still learning how to command his breaking ball in the strike zone, but it can miss bats against both lefties and righties. The Future: Allen's increased velocity has dramatically changed his outlook, improving his profile to that of a late-inning reliever. His pure stuff is on par with current Cleveland closer Chris Perez, and Allen could take his job at some point in the near future.