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Texas Rangers find their next pitching reclamation project in Cody Allen

By Ryan Sanders

DETROIT, MI - MAY 8: Cody Allen #37 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim walks back to the mound after giving up a two-run home run to JaCoby Jones of the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning at Comerica Park on May 8, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Angels 10-3. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MAY 8: Cody Allen #37 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim walks back to the mound after giving up a two-run home run to JaCoby Jones of the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning at Comerica Park on May 8, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Angels 10-3. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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The Texas Rangers have signed reliever Cody Allen to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. If he proves healthy, Allen could throw a ton of high-leverage innings for the Rangers as they look to compete in the AL West.

One time star closer Cody Allen had a rough 2019 season with the Angels over his 23 innings. The former Indians standout will look to rebound with the Texas Rangers as they have come to terms on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

This is a no-risk deal for the Rangers as Allen will either show that he is capable of contributing or they can cut bait. With the resurgence of Mike Minor and Lance Lynn, the Rangers have had an impeccable eye for finding average pitchers and turning them into studs. Allen is that latest attempt and could help fortify a Rangers bullpen that was below average last year.

Part of the reason for Allen’s struggles can be attributed to a career low velocity as his fastball only averaged 92.3 MPH. That fastball was significantly below the 94.5 he has averaged throughout his career.

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Due to his lack of velocity, he increased his breaking ball usage to 46% which clearly didn’t go so well given his 6.26 ERA. Despite the reduced velocity, Allen retained his elite spin rate which fell in the 90th percentile according to Statcast.

Another reason for encouragement is it would be nearly impossible for Allen to be hit as hard as he was again.  Batters averaged a 94.3 exit velocity off Allen, or put differently, every player hit like Miguel Sano against him. Even with reduced velocity, the Rangers and Allen should be able to find a way for him to miss bats and get outs.

Allen was a premier reliever as recently as 2017 so even if he can recapture some of his old form (and velocity) he can be an effective reliever for the Rangers. If the Rangers aren’t competing for the postseason, then Allen could be traded to a contender for potential prospect return to help them in the future.

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If Cody Allen can follow the same path as Lance Lynn and Mike Minor, the Texas Rangers will be thrilled with that outcome.

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